§ 32. Lieut.-Colonel Marcus Liptonasked the Assistant Postmaster-General what is the latest total of outstanding applications for telephones at the Brixton exchange; and what were its figures for the corresponding dates in 1951 and 1950.
§ Mr. Gammans1,500 at 31st March, 1952. At the corresponding dates in 1951 and 1950 the numbers were 1,213 and 999.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this, as is the case in so many other respects, shows the steady deterioration there has been since the present Administration and he himself took over?
§ Mr. GammansIf the hon. Gentleman waits for the answer to the next Question, he may not be so pessimistic about the present Administration.
§ Mr. J. Langford-HoltIs my hon. Friend aware that the deterioration started in 1950, and probably a good deal earlier?
§ 33. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many new telephone subscribers were connected to the Brixton exchange during the past six months; and how many he estimates will be granted during the next six months.
§ Mr. GammansThere were 176 connected during the last six months. The estimate for the next six months is 110, but the rate of connection should be substantially increased towards the end of this year, when the work of extending the exchange is completed.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that I am still very pessimistic as a result of the answer that he has just given? Will he, perhaps, consider circulating this Question and answer to all the outstanding applicants for connection to the Brixton exchange?