HC Deb 09 December 1959 vol 615 cc502-3
23. Mr. Kershaw

asked the Postmaster-General how many newly-designed desk-type telephones have been delivered in the Gloucester telephone area; and in how many colours.

Mr. Bevins

An initial delivery of eighty has been made to the Gloucester Telephone Area. These are in four colours: light ivory, topaz yellow, two-tone grey and two-tone green. Further supplies, in the full range of six colours, are now being received from the manufacturers and are being issued.

Mr. Nabarro

Hear, hear.

Mr. Kershaw

While appreciating the progress now being made, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he realises that these instruments were announced a year ago and that six months ago subscribers in the Gloucester area were being asked to subscribe for them? Is not progress extremely slow? Will my right hon. Friend speed it up in the near future?

Mr. Bevins

Manufacture of these instruments has certainly not been as rapid as we had hoped. I should like to make it clear that production is now in full swing in a very large way and we shall have deliveries throughout the country on a substantial basis very soon.

Mr. Nabarro

They are very good telephones anyway.