HC Deb 26 January 1955 vol 536 cc143-4
35. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General the number of people in Llandaff who are waiting for telephone service at their house; and what steps he proposes to take to reduce the waiting period.

Mr. Gammans

Three hundred and seven residential applications are outstanding, excluding those in course of provision. Two hundred and five telephones were connected in Llandaff last year, and we hope to double that number in 1955, following the provision of a new exchange.

Mr. Thomas

Can the Minister say when he expects to satisfy the requirements of all those who are at present on the list, because there is a great deal of frustration in Llandaff about the long wait that has to be endured?

Mr. Gammans

I cannot give a categorical statement about all the people at present waiting, but the new exchange should be open in April this year and that will considerably improve the position.

Mr. Harold Davies

Does the hon. Gentleman consider that he is allowing the Post Office enough for capital development in telephonic communications? All of us appreciate the work of the area telephone managers, but is it not a fact that they are not getting enough capital equipment to supply the public with telephones?

Mr. Gammans

The capital development for telephones next year is approximately double what it was five years ago.