HC Deb 05 November 1936 vol 317 cc243-5
66 and 67. Mr. VIANT

asked the Postmaster-General (1) the average period of time which must elapse before a telephone is installed after the order has been received by his Department;

(2) the number of letters received by his Department during the past 12 months in which complaints have been made concerning the length of time which has elapsed after an order has been given for the installation of a telephone and its completion?

Major TRYON

The period which elapses before a telephone order can be completed depends in the main on the nature and extent of the work involved. In London, during the quarter ended 30th September, 1936, 89 per cent. of the orders were completed within one week, and in the larger provincial exchange areas 76 per cent. of the orders were so completed. The percentage of orders completed within two weeks was 96 per cent. in London and 87 per cent. in the larger provincial areas. The figures were somewhat lower in the smaller exchange areas, mainly because of greater way leave and constructional difficulties, 69 per cent. being completed within one week and 80 per cent. within two weeks. I am sorry that there is no record of the number of complaints of delay in completion of orders, but the foregoing figures, I think, show that the cases in which there is ground for complaint are few.

Mr. VIANT

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman satisfied that there has been a diminution in the length of time in which these telephones have been installed during the last year or two?

Major TRYON

I can only say that, as in the London area, so in the country as a whole, we realise the need for more engineers, and during the last 12 months we have increased our engineering staff by very nearly 6,000.

Mr. VIANT

Is it the intention of the right hon. and gallant Gentleman to keep a record of the complaints or letters received by his Department complaining of the length of time that has elapsed before telephones have been installed?

Major TRYON

We try to keep a record of something more valuable, namely, a record of the actual time which it takes to instal all the telephones, and not merely of particular cases that may be complained of.

Mr. VIANT

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that the information asked for in one of these questions is as to the number of complaints?

Major TRYON

If I can get any more information, I will gladly send it to the hon. Member.