HC Deb 02 November 1955 vol 545 cc1002-3
11. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the inconvenience being caused to Greater London telephone subscribers by the separation of the directories for the London Postal Area from the London Telecommunications Region; and whether he will consider restoring the directories to their former arrangements when the next issues are due.

Dr. Hill

The purpose of the issue of separate directories for the London Postal Area and Outer London areas was to reduce the weight, size and cost of the main London directory. To do as my hon. Friend suggests would defeat the object of the rearrrangement.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Is my right hon. Friend aware that subscribers in the London area who wish to telephone to exchanges only about ten miles away, such as Popesgrove and Molsey, are put to the inconvenience of having to have another book, namely, the West Middlesex book?

Dr. Hill

The suggestion of my hon. Friend would mean that they would be put to the inconvenience of having to have a vast volume. It is the case that in each area, and there are now six, the London Area and five outer areas, any subscriber, in addition to his own directory, can get any of the other directories on demand.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us the financial saving by this arrangement?

Dr. Hill

About a quarter of a million pounds.

Dame Irene Ward

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that people who use the telephone deserve a little consideration as well as the Post Office?