HC Deb 28 February 1938 vol 332 cc735-6
30 and 31. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether any, and what, steps are now being taken to establish a wireless telephony system in the islands of the Outer Hebrides; and whether, in view of the frequent breaks in the present system in the islands causing inconvenience and isolation, he will hasten progress as much as possible;

(2) what progress has been made during the past four months in telephone, telegraph and general postal services in each of the islands of the Outer Hebrides?

Sir W. Womersley

Arrangements are in hand for the provision of wireless telephone connecting links between Castlebay, on the island of Barra and Tobermory, and thence to the mainland at Oban. When the work is completed, Castlebay will have direct communication with Glasgow. South Uist will be connected with Castlebay by means of a submarine cable and this connection will be extended to Benbecula and North Uist. The work is being proceeded with as rapidly as possible, the order for the manufacture of the necessary equipment having already been placed. Good progress has been made in securing sites for the wireless stations and in the arrangements for the provision of the buildings. The connections within the islands are provided by means of overhead circuits, as provision of underground cable would not be economical, and, although special care is taken in the construction of the overhead routes, it is not practicable always to avoid interruption due to storm damage owing to the exposed position of these islands. On the postal side the following changes have been made: In North Uist improved delivery services have been provided at Bayhead; in South Uist a sub-post office has been opened at Lochcarnan and a collection provided in the Carnan and Caltinish districts in Barra the postal facilities at Castlebay have been improved.

Mr. Mathers

Will the Minister make a tour of these districts to see the operation of these arrangements, and thereby put himself wise to the pronunciation of the local names?

Sir W. Womersley

I should be delighted to have a holiday if I had time, but I may inform the hon. Member that before coming to the House I made sure I had the right pronunciation in a series of lectures from my adviser, and he is a Highlander—not a Lowlander.

Mr. Mathers

On that tour which the Minister contemplates, will he take his adviser with him so that he, also, may be informed?