§ 44. Mr. T. Reidasked the Postmaster-General at what rate per annum telephones were installed before the war; and at what rate they are being installed at present.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingThree hundred and seventy-seven thousand six hundred and thirty-one telephones were installed during the year ended 31st March, 1939, this being close to the average for the preceding three years. The figure for the 12 months ending 30th September last was 600,401.
§ Mr. ReidIn view of the very satisfactory state of affairs which the answer reveals, will my right hon. Friend use his influence to get transferred to Swindon a considerable number of these telephones, as they are badly needed there?
§ Lieut.-Commander Gurney BraithwaiteCan the Postmaster-General say whether the second figure he read out includes instruments operating on party lines, to the great discomfort of individual subscribers?
§ Mr. PalingYes.
§ Mr. LipsonCan the right hon. Gentleman also give the figures of unsatisfied 1215 applications for the two periods and say when the considerable arrears will be made up?
§ Mr. PalingI stated last week that more than half a million were waiting. I would not like to say that all are dissatisfied, but all are anxious.