HC Deb 04 March 1940 vol 358 cc13-4
33. Mr. Robert Gibson

asked the Postmaster-General how many 1s. telephone calls were put through from Scotland to London and from London to Scotland, respectively, for the week ending 2nd March, 1940, and for the corresponding week a year ago, respectively; and whether he has any statement to make on the success of the resumption of this service?

Major Tryon

I regret that I have no information as to the number of 1s. calls between Scotland and London, but the total number of long-distance calls from Glasgow and Edinburgh to all parts of the United Kingdom between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Friday, 23rd February, 1940, was 2,035, compared with 1,895 on the corresponding Friday last year, an increase of about 7 per cent. The volume of traffic and the speed of connection resulting from the reintroduction of the 1s. call are considered to be satisfactory, having regard to war conditions. The large number of trunk calls being made after 7 p.m. shows how much the restoration of the cheap night rates is appreciated by the public.

Sir Edmund Findlay

May I ask why at this time of the year the delay is over 50 minutes between Edinburgh and London, whereas this time last year it was seldom more than three or four minutes?

Major Tryon

Because there is a war going on and we have had to hand over a large number of our lines, sometimes permanently, to the Forces. But, on the whole, I am glad to be able to tell the House that about 60 per cent. of the calls at cheap rate go through on demand.

30 and 31. Mr. Pickthorn (for Captain Anstruther-Gray)

asked the Postmaster-General (1) the average delay in trunk calls between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. between London and Edinburgh during the last fortnight;

(2) the average delay in trunk calls between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. between London and Glasgow during the last fortnight?

Major Tryon

In view of the large number of calls, it is impracticable to keep records of the actual average delays. The exchanges estimate from the calls on hand the probable delays at frequent intervals each night. On calls between London and Edinburgh and between London and Glasgow the average nightly maximum estimated delay was approximately 50 minutes and 40 minutes respectively. There is no doubt that there was a strong desire, voiced on both sides of this House and in the country, for the restoration of the cheap night trunk calls. I pointed out at the time that delays would be inevitable, but I am glad to say that taking the country as a whole about 60 per cent. of the calls are being put through without delay.

Mr. De la Bère

Is not this very satisfactory?

Mr. G. Griffiths

Now there is an Under-Secretaryship for him.