§ 11. Mr. KELLYasked the Postmaster-General what length of telephone line is to be converted from pole line to under ground within the next three months; and is be aware of the number of men under notice of dismissal from works manufacturing material for this purpose in such places as Woodville and Stafford shire?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir William Mitchell-Thomson)Main underground trunk telephone cables are provided mainly to meet anticipated growth of traffic and they augment rather than displace existing main overhead routes. As regards local circuits, it is estimated that about 13,500 miles of overhead wires will be replaced by underground wires within the next three months. I am aware generally of the position in regard to employment in the works referred to; and, while I cannot order material in excess of requirements, I endeavour, in this case as in others, to distribute orders to Post Office contractors in such a manner as to avoid, so far as possible temporary unemployment.