§ 27. Mr. Lowasked the Postmaster-General how many persons in Blackpool who have applied for telephones in their offices and private houses are still waiting for telephones; and what further delay he anticipates.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsOne thousand four hundred and fifty telephones were connected in Blackpool in 1949, this being 30 per cent. more than in the best prewar year. At present there are 1,744 business and 1,031 residential applicants waiting for service. The rate of supply in 1949 slightly exceeded new demand, but in certain areas additional plant is required to meet outstanding applications. As to the future, I regret that I cannot forecast when we shall be able to overtake demand.
§ Mr. LowIn making that comparison is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the population of Blackpool has increased substantially since before the war; is he further aware that certain people have been waiting for their telephones for over four years; and ought he not do something to see that the delay is very much shorter than that?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI cannot accept any responsibility for the increase in the population of Blackpool. I am aware that there is very great difficulty in this matter, and I assure the hon. Gentleman that I am giving it urgent attention.