HC Deb 17 December 1952 vol 509 cc1384-5
17. Mr. Gower

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General why persons in the Whitchurch area of Glamorgan who have hitherto enjoyed the exclusive use of private telephones for which they have been subscribers for many years are now being called upon to accept share telephone services, though other persons in similar circumstances are being given the exclusive use of private telephones for the first time.

Mr. Gammans

Since the beginning of 1948 all new and removing residential subscribers have been liable to share their lines if called upon to do so. Individual subscribers may be given exclusive service when the telephone is first provided, if there is no other applicant in their immediate neighbourhood, but they are still liable to share their lines.

Mr. Gower

Does not the Assistant Postmaster-General consider that a person who has been a subscriber—a customer—for many years should be given some special consideration?

Mr. Gammans

I look forward to the day when we can do away with all these shared services, but there have to be some rules laid down, and we have, unfortunately, to provide shared service only for anyone who moves, as well as for a new applicant.

18. Mr. Gower

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the continued inadequacy in the provision of private telephones to householders in the Whitchurch and Rhewbina areas of Glamorgan; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gammans

I regret that there has been delay in providing telephones in these areas, owing to shortage of underground plant. Some cables have been laid recently and more are now being laid. During the past two and a half months, 186 telephones have been provided, and we are trying to maintain this rate of progress.

Mr. Gower

While thanking the Assistant Postmaster-General for that reply, may I ask him if he can possibly give the figure of applications now outstanding compared with the number a year ago?

Mr. Gammans

The number of applications now outstanding is 1,224. 1 think I should want notice of the second part of my hon. Friend's supplementary.