§ 32. Mr. Dayasked the Postmaster General the number of manual telephone exchanges in the London area, within 10 miles of Oxford Circus, still to be converted to automatic working; and which of these exchanges are now due to be converted?
§ The Postmaster-General (Major Tryon)The number of manual telephone exchanges in the London area, within a radius of 10 miles of Oxford Circus, still to be converted to automatic working is 31. Victoria and Kingston-on-Thames 1495 Exchanges will, it is hoped, be converted this month, and Rodney, Maiden and Woolwich Exchanges within the next three months. The conversion of the remaining 26 exchanges will, in accordance with the present programme, be completed by about 1944.
§ Mr. DayCan the Minister say whether the delay has been caused by a shortage of material or of labour?
§ Major TryonI do not admit that there is a delay. We have increased our expenditure since three years ago by a half, and we are expediting the matter.