§ 15. Mr. Hobsonasked the Postmaster-General the number of telephone exchanges which are at present full and cannot be extended; and the number of new telephone exchanges to be built during 1956.
Dr. HillAbout 470, including exchanges where only priority applications can be accepted. We expect to complete about 420 new exchanges in 1956.
§ Mr. HobsonIn view of the amazing progress which has been made, will the right hon. Gentleman look specially into the needs of the industrial areas, where most of the exchanges are so full that they cannot be extended, and where there is a grave shortage of telephones which inconveniences the business community?
Dr. HillI am much alive to the point raised by the hon. Gentleman, which bears with particular force on certain areas. In 1956, however, we propose to complete 420 exchanges as compared with 272 the previous year, thus giving us added opportunity to do what the hon. Gentleman has in mind.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesWill the Postmaster-General give an undertaking that the building of these exchanges will not be held up by the Government's capital development restriction programme, and that there will be no delay in starting the Enfield exchange?
Dr. HillI should require notice of the point about the Enfield exchange. On the other point, the programme of telephone extension will remain as stated in the White Paper.