65. Mr. HUTCHISONasked the Postmaster-General how many different types of automatic telephone installations are being used in the various exchanges in Great Britain; whether he is satisfied that the type most generally employed is more satisfactory in operation than that in use in the United States; and what measures are being adopted to develop an improved type of installation which will reduce the number of failures at present caused by the damp atmosphere in this country?
§ Sir K. WOODThe apparatus used for automatic telephones in this country is of the "Strowger" type, adapted as the case may be for the largest cities, urban areas or rural districts. Several other systems originally installed for experimental purposes in various exchanges are 763 still giving satisfactory service but no further exchanges of these types will be installed. The "Strowger" system is one of the standard types used in America and these were carefully investigated before a decision was reached to adopt the "Strowger" system in this country. I am satisfied that it is best suited to our requirements. The damp climate of this country rarely gives rise to apparatus failure since adequate measures are in force to maintain satisfactory atmospheric conditions inside the exchanges.