§ 33. Mr. Gowerasked the Postmaster-General why as many as 55 per cent. of private telephone subscribers in Barry have been required to take a shared-line service, while the comparable figure for the United Kingdom is only 38 per cent.; and what steps he will take to reduce the proportion in Barry.
§ Mr. MarplesThe percentage of subscribers sharing is mainly determined by the availability of spare wires in the local cables; at any one time this must vary in different areas. While above the average, the percentage at Barry is not exceptional, and special measures to reduce it would not be justified.
§ Mr. GowerIs not the very high percentage of shared lines due to a shortage of cable, and will my right hon. Friend take steps to rectify that shortage?
§ Mr. MarplesYes. A new automatic exchange is in course of erection at Barry, and duots for the new cables have been laid. The exchange and cables have been planned to be available by 1962, when subscribers will have greater freedom.