HC Deb 30 June 1937 vol 325 cc1960-1
49. Mr. Keeling

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can now state how soon a telephone user will be able, in case of fire or other emergency, to indicate to the exchange, by dialling a special number, that the call is specially urgent?

The Assistant Postmaster-General (Sir Walter Womersley)

I am glad to be able to inform the House that the necessary technical arrangements have now been completed so far as London is concerned, and that if a subscriber or call office user dials "999," a special signal indicating that the call must receive immediate attention will be given to the exchange operator. The "999" call may be made free of charge from a call office: I would strongly emphasise that the number "999" should be dialled only when the fire brigade, police or ambulance is needed in circumstances of real emergency, otherwise the whole purpose of the arrangement may be defeated. It will, until further experience has been gained, be operative in London only. It relates to all automatic exchanges in London save those few in the case of which the telephones do not bear letters as well as figures on the dial.

Mr. Keeling

Can my hon. Friend also answer this: If a householder knows the actual number of the fire station, is it better to dial the fire station direct, or to dial "999"?

Sir W. Womersley

I have personally witnessed experiments with this particular signal call, and I should say that the person using the telephone would be wise to use the emergency number rather than the other number.

Major J. Herbert

How would a lady with a burglar in the house remember to dial "999"? Why not have some sort of button on the telephone which could be pressed?

Sir W. Womersley

Our engineers have tried every kind of device, and have come to the conclusion that this is the best method of getting a sure direct call.

Major Herbert

In the old days one had only to lift the telephone receiver and one got the exchange.

Mr. Garro Jones

What would happen if "999" were dialled—

Mr. Speaker

There are several more questions on the Paper.