§ 22. Miss Hornsby-Smithasked the Postmaster-General how many applications for a telephone installation have been received from the area of the London County Council estate at St. Paul's Cray; and how many of such applications have been met.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsAbout 300, of which 81 have been met. In addition, five public call offices have been installed and two more are proposed.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithIs the Postmaster-General aware that many of these applicants live in what are known as houses for professional classes; that they had telephones in their former residences and that it is a very great hardship to them not to be able to continue to have a telephone in their house for professional purposes at present? Is there any hope of these people being supplied with this service?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardSThis is a residential area. I am well aware of the hardship caused to these people and am doing what I can, but there are limits to the laying of new cables and the installation of new equipment.
§ Mr. Arthur ColegateCan the Postmaster-General assure us that the export of telephone equipment which is much needed at home has been stopped?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsNo, Sir, I cannot give that assurance.
§ Mr. ColegateWhy not?