§ 14. Mr. M. Lindsayasked the Postmaster-General how many new telephones have been installed in the Borough of Solihull in each of the last five years; how many applications for new telephones are now pending; and how long it will take to provide them.
Dr. HillAs the reply contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. LindsayIn view of the fact that the reply contains only six figures, I should like to have the Answer now.
Dr. HillIn fact the Answer contains twelve figures but if my hon. Friend would like to have them they are: 1952, 610; 1953, 579; 1954, 713; 1955, 1,420; and 1956, 1,154.
§ Mr. LindsayWill my right hon. Friend answer the last part of the Question, which he has not attempted to answer? How long does he think it will be before the 1,400 applicants on the list are satisfied?
Dr. HillOne of the exchanges, the Sheldon exchange, is being extended. New cables are being laid, and we anticipate that when the cables are complete those waiting for line equipment will be satisfied. I cannot give a firm estimate as to complete satisfaction.
§ Mr. LindsayMay I ask a supplementary question on the main Question—
§ Mr. SpeakerThere is to be a written reply. Perhaps the hon. Member will consider it and then put down another Question if he is not satisfied?
§ Mr. LindsayOn a point of order, Sir. Surely hon. Members are allowed to ask a supplementary question? [An HON. MEMBER: "The hon. Member asked one."] I only pointed out to my right hon. Friend that he had not answered the last part of my Question. He then proceeded to do so. With great respect, Sir, I have not been allowed to ask a supplementary question on that part of my Question.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member has had a chance to ask a supplementary question. First, the Minister said that he would circulate the reply as it was long. Then the hon. Member asked for it to be given. Then he asked a supplementary question. I think that the hon. Member should study the details first.
§ Following is the Reply:
§ The numbers of telephones installed have been:
| Years ended 31st March | |
| 1952 | 610 |
| 1953 | 579 |
| 1954 | 713 |
| 1955 | 1,420 |
| 1956 | 1,154 |
§ 1,766 applications are at present outstanding. We expect to install over 1,100 telephones this year, but I cannot say when all existing applications will be met.