HC Deb 22 July 1953 vol 518 c354
10. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he is aware that only one of the baillies in the city of Aberdeen is not supplied with a telephone in his private house, details of whose case have been sent him; and how long it will be before he will be supplied with one.

Mr. Gammans

I should very much like to provide the baillie with a telephone at once, but there are over 200 people in the area who applied before him and I could not, in fairness, advance his turn. Conditions are particularly difficult in the area because of heavy arrears of work resulting from the January storm.

Mr. Hughes

Does not the Minister think it particularly invidious and ungenerous for the present party in power, temporarily, to deprive this baillie of a telephone, having regard to the public services and his position in Aberdeen? He is the only baillie without a telephone.

Mr. Gammans

The hon. and learned Gentleman is raising the whole question of the principle at stake in his next Question. Perhaps he will wait until I answer that one.

Brigadier Medlicott

Is my hon. Friend aware that, at the present rate of progress, he will soon have to set up a special department of the Post Office to deal with the shower of telephone, radio and television amenities descending upon the city of Aberdeen?