HC Deb 18 July 1946 vol 425 cc1361-2
Sir G. Fox

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what steps have been taken to improve the telephone lines in the neighbourhood of Finmere exchange, Oxfordshire, and, in particular, Featherbed Lane, where the trees are continually causing interruption in the service, and subscribers are thereby unable to use the telephone.

Mr. Burke

Conditions in the Finmere exchange area are similar to those in many other rural districts where overhead telephone wires are used. These are sometimes damaged during high winds, but I regret that in present circumstances it is not possible to contemplate any general modification of our methods of supplying telephone service in these districts. Damage in Featherbed Lane appears to have been exceptionally frequent recently, and I will see what can be done there to reduce the liability of interruption of service as soon as labour is available.

Sir G. Fox

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some of these subscribers are without the use of the telephone for about 25 per cent. of the year; and will he consider allowing a rebate, as they cannot use the telephone during that time?

Mr. Burke

They are without it for only short periods of very inclement weather, and there are only four of them altogether.

15. Mr. Spence

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many new telephone instruments have been installed in Aberdeenshire during the last six months; and how many would-be subscribers in Aberdeenshire are on the waiting list at the present time.

Mr. Burke

In Aberdeenshire 1,551 applicants have been given telephone service during the past six months, and there are at present 1,870 outstanding applications.

Mr. Spence

Does the hon. Gentleman expect to be able to accelerate the rate of supply so that we can have these subscribers fitted out with instruments by the end of the year?

Mr. Burke

Yes, there is a general acceleration. While, on the face of it, it would take another six months to clear off those at present outstanding, every time we put in a new telephone we are liable to get another two applications.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Can the hon. Gentleman saw how many of those two classes of figures apply to the City of Aberdeen?

Mr. Burke

This is about the county.