§ 48. Major Anstruther-Grayasked the Assistant Postmaster-General to give figures to show how the number of new telephones installed in Scotland during the first six months of 1953 compares with the number installed during the first six months of 1952; and how the number of applications now outstanding compares with the number at this time last year.
§ Mr. Gammans12,658 telephones were installed in the first six months of this year compared with 12,764 in the first half of 1952. 39,450 applications are at present outstanding compared with 43,353 a year ago.
§ Major Anstruther-GrayIs my hon. Friend satisfied that these figures really show that he is overtaking the problem with which he is faced?
§ Mr. GammansThere has been a welcome reduction in the waiting list and there would have been a still larger reduction but for the repair of storm damage at the beginning of the year. I hope the steps we are now taking will ensure an even quicker overtaking of the waiting list.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanArising out of my hon. Friend's reply to this Question and to a previous Question, may I ask whether it is the case that each of these telephones installed in Scotland costs £100?
§ Mr. GammansThat is the average taking the country as a whole. In the more isolated rural areas in England and in Scotland, of course, the average would be higher.
§ Mr. OsborneCan my hon. Friend say whether the English arrears are being caught up as quickly as the Scottish arrears and if the Scots are getting favoured treatment?
§ Mr. GammansI think that is a question my hon. Friend had better put down.