HC Deb 25 January 1956 vol 548 cc185-6
6. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Postmaster-General the average length of time taken for a subscriber on the Kelsall Telephone Exchange to get a reply from the operator in Chester when making a call through that exchange.

Dr. Hill

Just under five seconds during the day, and seven seconds in the evening.

Mr. Johnson

Will the marked improvement in the time in answering by the operator in Chester since I put down this Question be maintained? Is my right hon. Friend aware that the figures he has given bear no relationship whatsoever to the experience of people served by the exchange?

Dr. Hill

I know the danger of averages, but a special count was made in the three months ended 31st December in the automatic exchanges attached to Chester, and the figures that I have given are based on 700 day and 300 night observations.

Mr. Hobson

In view of the repeated complaints about the exchange, can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that spot checks are taken without any previous notice to the supervisor?

Dr. Hill

I believe that is so, but I will look into the hon. Gentleman's point.

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