§ 15. Mr. Spenceasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the inadequacy of the present telephone facilities at Ellon, Aberdeenshire; and when additional equipment will be allocated to this exchange.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingI regret that the hon. Member has been misinformed. Additional exchange equipment has recently been provided at Ellon and where there is external plant waiting applicants will be given service as soon as labour is available.
§ Mr. SpenceCan the Minister say how soon the waiting list for telephones in Ellon will be reduced, and is he aware that some people have been waiting for three years for an installation?
§ Mr. PalingSome of them have waited a long time, but the exchange equipment is now installed. What we are waiting for is the external equipment, like cables and overhead wires. I hope these people will have telephones shortly.
§ Mr. SpenceCan the Postmaster-General say whether the trunk-call service to Aberdeen will be improved, because it is only 20 miles away and it sometimes takes half an hour to get a call through?
§ Mr. PalingThat is another Question, and one which I should like to see on the Paper.
§ Mr. MacLeodCan the Minister say whether more equipment will be given to isolated places in the Highlands, where the people are a great distance from any telephone?
§ Mr. PalingMost hon. Members are aware that at the present time we are doing all we possibly can, particularly in remote places and for farmers.