HC Deb 07 July 1948 vol 453 cc345-6
3. Mr. Gammans

asked the Postmaster-General if he can given an estimate of the time which is likely to elapse before a non-priority application for a telephone on the Mountview and Tudor telephone exchanges can expect to be fulfilled.

Mr. Hobson

Provision of additional subscribers' cables and equipment is at present severely restricted to meet the needs of the national export drive, and my right hon. Friend regrets that he is unable to forecast when service is likely to be available for non-priority applicants in these areas.

Mr. Gammans

Cannot the hon. Gentleman give any idea? Is it a matter of months or years or never?

Mr. Hobson

It is a question entirely of the supply of tele-communication equipment and cable. The position is that we have to make our contribution to the export of raw materials. Quite frankly, it is impossible to say when.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the exports of those materials required for the telephone system are going to hard currency or soft currency areas?

Mr. Hobson

Hard currency areas in some cases.