HC Deb 24 July 1933 vol 280 cc2220-1
31. Mr. HALES

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that, owing to many complaints by subscribers in obtaining connections on the dial telephones, a firm has recently been established for the purpose of assisting subscribers in obtaining such connections and have circularised the mercantile houses in London calling attention to this; and will he consider reverting to the older type of telephone?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir Kingsley Wood)

I am not aware that any firm has been established for the purpose of assisting subscribers in the manner suggested. The operating statistics show that the service given by automatic exchanges compares favourably with that given by manual exchanges, and I am not aware of any ground for staying the process of conversion to automatic exchanges which is, I believe, giving general satisfaction.

Mr. HALES

Will my right hon. Friend permit us, as far as this House is concerned, to remain in peaceful possession of the excellent service we have, and not allow the introduction of these dial contraptions which cause so much irritation?

Sir K. WOOD

I am afraid that for once my hon. Friend has made a mistake. He said that a firm has been established for the purpose of putting in connections. As a matter of fact, that firm has been licensed to receive messages for telephone subscribers in their absence and to deliver such messages. Therefore, in his major premises my hon. Friend is wrong for once.

Mr. HALES

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the circular in question said that where difficulty is found in getting connection they will do their best to get it?

Sir K. WOOD

Then perhaps my hon. Friend will patronise the firm.