§ 16. Mr. Tileyasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the increase in telephone calls which are heard by other subscribers due to defects causing lines to be accidentally crossed and linked; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with this awkward and dangerous position.
§ Mr. BevinsAlthough trouble of this kind is not widespread or frequent, I share my hon. Friend's concern about it. I have arranged for a special overhaul 1433 of the equipment at the Manningham exchange, which my hon. Friend may have particularly in mind, and I hope that this will put things right.
§ Mr. TileyI am grateful for the help which my right hon. Friend is giving, but will he look at the evidence I shall send him next week, which shows that this problem is a good deal more widespread than in its local aspect? Is not it rather shocking that we should accept this position as inevitable in our telephone service? In view of the cleverness of technologists and Post Office engineers, is not it possible to introduce an automatic tapping device to the service when these lines get crossed, especially in view of the fact that so many party lines are now being used?
§ Mr. BevinsThe trouble at Manningham is probably due to the building work in progress. I am sorry my hon. Friend has had this unfortunate experience, but I have no doubt that his telephone conversations are just as interesting as his speeches in this House. I do not believe that this trouble is very widespread.