HC Deb 02 March 1926 vol 192 cc1241-2
79. Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the Postmaster-General if he can inform the House when the automatic telephone is to be introduced into the London telephone area?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

It is hoped to open three or four automatic exchanges in London during 1927 and others at short intervals throughout the next few years. The conversion of the London area to automatic working must necessarily be a gradual and lengthy operation.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say which will be the three or four districts to be opened first?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

Without any definite commitment as to date, the first two will be, I think, Holborn and Bishopsgate somewhere about May, 1927, and Sloane and Western next somewhere about the end of 1927.

Captain GEE

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of alloting the numbers for sale by tender?