HC Deb 02 February 1955 vol 536 cc1070-1
10. Mr. P. Williams

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General why there is so much delay in supplying coloured telephone instruments.

Mr. Gammans

We are mainly concentrating on putting in new telephones and do not feel that we can yet divert labour to replacing black telephones by coloured ones. Larger numbers of coloured telephones are, however, coming along, and my noble Friend hopes it will not be long before they can be fitted on demand.

Mr. Williams

Is my hon. Friend aware that, in my opinion, there is no question of diverting labour on this matter because coloured telephones are already made for export by the companies concerned, some of which could be taken to supply the home market?

Mr. Gammans

We are very reluctant to take any telephones which are being exported and use them for the home market. I hope that my assurance that it will not be long before anyone can get a coloured telephone on demand will satisfy my hon. Friend.

Mr. Ness Edwards

That, surely, is no answer where a new telephone is being installed. Will the hon. Gentleman not overrule the Department and say that there should be free choice of colour when new telephones are installed?

Mr. Gammans

No, I cannot say that, because coloured telephones are not being made at the moment in sufficient numbers to meet all the demands.