§ 16. Mr. A. Blenkinsopasked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many applicants are on the waiting list for telephone installations in Newcastle-upon-Tyne; and how many have been connected during 1951.
§ Mr. GammansEight hundred and twenty-eight are on the waiting list and 420 are being provided or are under inquiry. In 1951 there were 2,360 new connections.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWill the hon. Gentleman do his utmost to ensure that a fair supply of materials are made available to Newcastle and district as there is still some feeling there that they do not get their fair proportion?
§ Mr. GammansI can assure the hon. Gentleman that we shall do our best to get more satisfactory conditions in the Newcastle area as soon as possible.
§ Captain Charles WaterhouseIs my hon. Friend aware that in practically every town and city there is a shortage of telephones, and will he do his utmost to fill up the deficiencies which have arisen after six years of Socialist misrule?
§ Mr. GammansAs the House knows, the limiting factor is the shortage of raw materials and also the shortage of manpower.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsIs the hon. Gentleman catching himself coming back?