§ 24. Mr. Braineasked the Postmaster-General how many telephones have been installed in Rayleigh in each of the years 393 from 1950 up to the latest convenient date in 1959; how many applications are still outstanding; and what provision is being made for increased demand for telephones arising out of the rapid growth of population in the area.
§ Mr. MarplesOne hundred and fifteen applications are at present on the waiting list and, in addition, 43 are in course of being met. The telephone exchange at Rayleigh has capacity to meet growth. New cables are, however, needed, and will be provided progressively between now and July, 1960.
With permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the number of telephones installed at Rayleigh in each year since 1950.
§ Mr. BraineWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him if he is aware that the population in this area is increasing at the highest rate of growth in the country? While I have no complaint against the telephone engineers, who make do with what resources they have, may I ask my right hon. Friend to see that a more generous allocation is made to enable the waiting list to be reduced?
§ Mr. MarplesI am glad to know that productivity in Rayleigh in certain directions is increasing. The cable scheme in hand will provide for all waiting applicants.
§ Following are the figures:
| 1950 | 38 |
| 1951 | 84 |
| 1952 | 59 |
| 1953 | 81 |
| 1954 | 154 |
| 1955 | 170 |
| 1956 | 249 |
| 1957 | 300 |
| 1958 | 258 |
| 1959 | 160 (to 30th June) |