§ 37. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the Postmaster-General when Victoria telephone exchange is expected to be on the dial system?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir Ernest Bennett)It is expected that the main Victoria telephone exchange will be converted to automatic working in the course of 1938, but steps are being taken to convert certain portions of this Area at a considerably earlier date.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYIn view of the considerable delay which seems to be inseparable from the working of the manual system, could not something be done to expedite the transference?
§ Sir E. BENNETTThe conversion of these exchanges is a very heavy work, and we are doing our utmost to cope with the difficulties. If the hon. Member cares to see me afterwards, I will go into the matter with him in more detail and show him facts and figures which illustrate our progress in this particular area.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSDo I understand then, that the dial which was recently fixed in my office in connection with the Victoria Exchange may not come into use for two years?
§ Sir E. BENNETTIt may not.