§ 48. Mr. Crouchasked the Postmaster-General the cost of steel and wood telegraph poles, respectively; and what was the number of each used in 1954.
§ The Postmaster-General (Dr. Charles Hill)We have not bought any steel poles since 1949; they then cost from two to three times as much as wooden poles, depending on size. Last year we used 6,300 of our remaining stock of steel poles, and 127,800 wooden poles.
§ Mr. CrouchIn view of the fact that steel poles are not being bought today, why have they been taken out and replaced by wooden ones and considered to be of so little value that they are left at the farm or on the land from which they have been removed?
§ Dr. HillThe replacement of steel poles by timber poles is taking place as and when necessary, but if my hon. Friend has details of local problems perhaps he will let me know.