§ 30. Mr. John Morrisonasked the Postmaster-General the number of telephones estimated to be cut of order following the recent April snow storms; what is the estimated cost of the damage; and what steps he is taking to prevent a recurrence.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsAbout 1,230 poles were broken or brought down in the recent snow storm, and 37,800 subscribers were cut off. The total cost of the damage is about £200,000. Telephone lines are being increasingly provided in underground cables and this reduces the risk and extent of storm damage.
§ Mr. MorrisonDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that there is a strong case for putting more telephone cables underground and that the same applies to railway telegraphs, about which I cannot now put a Question to him?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThat would not be within the scope of my Department.
§ Mr. Sydney SilvermanWould my right hon. Friend mind answering the last part of the Question on the Order Paper and 366 telling the House what steps he is taking to prevent a recurrence of the recent April snowstorms?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI should have to take legal advice.
Mr. VaneCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is now the policy of his Department to use the hideous galvanised iron posts which are now appearing, instead of wooden ones as hitherto?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsOur policy is to try to put as many cables as possible underground.