§ 42. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Postmaster-General in which 2252 exchange areas outside the London district and the Hull district there is a delay of more than three weeks in installing new telephones; and in which areas are applicants informed that their orders cannot be extended owing to shortage of plant?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Viscount Wolmer)The extension of the telephone service is proceeding in all districts, but although every endeavour is made to forecast future developments, in a certain percentage of streets or areas the demand from time to time temporarily overtakes the supply, and occasionally extensive works, such as the laying of a new main cable, are necessary and involve a delay of some weeks. The list of areas in which there is a shortage of telephone plant therefore fluctuates from day to day, but every endeavour is made to overtake arrears as speedily as possible.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs there any delay through lack of capital at the disposal of the Department?
§ Viscount WOLMERI suppose if the Government had an unlimited amount of money we could supply everyone with telephones at a very reduced rate.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs not the service remunerative?