HC Deb 08 July 1953 vol 517 cc1244-5
52. Mr. Deedes

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General the current annual estimated expenditure on new or extended telephone exchanges outside the London area; and how far this represents an increase on the year 1951–52.

Mr. Gammans

Including the cost of new building works and installation, the estimate for the current year is £10.4 million. This is 11 per cent. more than the expenditure in 1951–52.

Mr. Deedes

I appreciate that there has been an increase, but is my hon. Friend satisfied that it is sufficiently big to overcome the considerable leeway in the provision of rural telephones?

Mr. Gammans

No, Sir. The Post Office can certainly do with more capital than is at present allotted to it if it is to catch up with the leeway. I am, however, pleased to be able to tell the House that the waiting list for telephones has decreased quite considerably in the past year.

Mr. Hobson

Has the Chancellor of the Exchequer now removed the ban on the building of new telephone exchanges?

Mr. Gammans

The Estimates for next year are under consideration.

54. Mr. Erroll

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what arrangements he is making to ensure that extensions to existing telephone exchanges will be adequately staffed by suitably trained and qualified personnel.

Mr. Gammans

It is our standing practice to make arrangements well in advance to ensure that the requisite trained and qualified staff is available when required. If my hon. Friend has in mind any particular case where our arrangements appear to have failed, I shall be glad to make inquiry.

Mr. Erroll

I shall be pleased to advise my hon. Friend accordingly.