HC Deb 20 November 1946 vol 430 c828
2. Colonel J. R. H. Hutchison

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General when he proposes to make Ipsophone attachments to telephones available to subscribers in this country; and on what terms.

Mr. Burke

The possibility of introducing facilities on the lines of the Ipsophone is being borne in mind, but for the present the resources of the Post Office must be concentrated on meeting the heavy demands for the provision of basic services.

Colonel Hutchison

In view of the fact that this ingenious little instrument allows messages to be taken in the absence of the recipient and allows questions to be answered at leisure, does not the hon. Gentleman think there would be considerable demand for it in Government Departments?

Hon. Members

Answer.

Mr. Burke

There are only 80 of them in Switzerland.

Mr. Driberg

Whatever the merit of this attachment may be, will my hon. Friend bear in mind that its name is an etymological outrage, and, if he does adopt it, will he rename it in plain English and not leave it a Græco-Latin bastard?