§ 1. Mr. Spenceasked the Postmaster-General how many applications for the installation of telephones are outstanding in Aberdeenshire; how many are in burghs and how many in landward areas; and the total numbers that have been outstanding for over two years.
§ The Postmaster-General (Dr. Charles Hill)As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the answer:
| — | Burghs | Landwad areas | Totals |
| Total applications outstanding at 31.3.55 | 1,731 | 927 | 2,658 |
| Applications out standing over two years | 241 | 217 | 458 |
| There were 2,276 new demands during the year. |
§ 2. Mr. Spenceasked the Postmaster-General how many new subscribers have been connected to the telephone system in Aberdeenshire during the past twelve months; and how this compares, on a percentage of population, with the rest of Scotland.
§ Dr. HillOne thousand, seven hundred and twenty-two; installation was held up somewhat by storm damage. The figure represented 5.2 per cent. of the telephones supplied in Scotland during the year, whereas Aberdeenshire has 6.4 per cent. of the population of Scotland.
§ Mr. SpenceCan my right hon. Friend say if he expects an increase in the rate of installation of telephones in Aberdeenshire in the near future?
§ Dr. HillIn the next two years it is hoped to introduce new equipment in twenty-four exchanges and to carry out twelve new projects of cable laying.
§ Sir T. MooreWill my right hon. Friend ensure that no preference is given to Aberdeenshire over the rest of Scotland?