§ 19. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many applications for new telephones are now outstanding in the London region; and what the corresponding figure was last year.
§ Mr. GammansThe number is 107,310, including 27,382 in course of provision or under investigation. I am glad to say that the total is 20,000 less than a year ago.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs the Minister aware that, at that still inadequate rate of progress, it will be about five years before the present applicants for telephones in the London area get telephones, and is not that a rather shameful state of affairs in the world's capital city?
§ Mr. GammansIt does not necessarily follow that development will be continued at the present rate, but I should have thought that the hon. and gallant Gentleman would be pleased to know that the list of waiting applicants is 20,000 less than a year ago.