HC Deb 16 May 1928 vol 217 c1032
46. Colonel WOODCOCK

asked the Postmaster-General what is the number of applications made to instal telephones in London which have not yet been completed?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

Excluding cases awaiting applicants' instructions to proceed, there were 3,294 orders on hand at 30th April last. Over 6,000 orders are completed in an average month in London.

Colonel WOODCOCK

Is there any special reason for the delay in installing them?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

I always like to keep a fortnight's work in hand in order to spread the work regularly.

47. Colonel WOODCOCK

asked the Postmaster-General what is the average period in London and the provinces which elapses between receiving an application to instal a telephone and the actual connection with the exchange?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

I regret that the statistics available do not permit of the computation of the average desired by my hon. and gallant Friend, but I can say that over 30 per cent. of all orders are being completed within one week, and nearly 75 per cent. within three weeks of receipt.