§ 83. Sir H. Webbeasked the Postmaster-General whether, in the case of evacuated firms who decide to return to London, special arrangements can be made for the speedy restoration of telephone and other postal services?
§ Captain WaterhouseI am not aware of any difficulty or delay in restoring postal and telegraph facilities for evacuated firms who return to London. As regards the telephone service, there is heavy pressure on the engineering staff, owing to the number of skilled workmen called to the Colours and to the large amount of work required for the Defence services. In these circumstances, while every effort is made to restore service for returning firms as quickly as possible, I am sorry that some delay is inevitable. The staff of fitters engaged on this work is being increased, and I hope that there will be a gradual speeding up in the provision of service. Firms returning to London could assist the Post Office by giving the longest possible notice of their requirements.