§ 3. Mr. P. Williamsasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the general dissatisfaction that exists about the delay experienced by those wishing to have telephone instruments installed either for business or private reasons; and whether he will make a statement.
Dr. HillI fully appreciate the need to expand the telephone service. The proposals in the recently published White Paper on Post Office Development and Finance provide for the installation of nearly half a million telephones next year, and are designed to develop the service as quickly as economic circumstances permit.
§ Mr. WilliamsCan my right hon. Friend give an assurance that this will be of equal benefit in rural and in urban areas of the country?
Dr. HillIt is intended to improve the telephone provisions throughout the country, in urban and rural areas.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs the Postmaster-General aware that his speech on this subject in Scotland last weekend caused considerable dismay? Is he aware that the 38,000 who are waiting for the telephone in Glasgow did not get much encouragement? Does he not think it would be a good thing if he made representations to his fellow Ministers to spend money, instead of on the rocket range, in accelerating and improving the telephone service in Scotland?
Dr. HillIf the hon. Gentleman will study the White Paper recently published he will see that there are signs of hope and not of dismay in the telephone position in Scotland.