§ 6. Mr. Patrick Maitlandasked the Postmaster-General how many telephone subscribers were among the more than 70 families which have moved from the village of Douglas, in the county of Lanark, since 1st January, 1959.
§ Mr. MarplesSo far as I know, none. Only one residence telephone has been given up since 1st January, 1959, and I understand that the previous customer is still living in Douglas.
§ Mr. MaitlandI thank my right hon. Friend for that Answer, but will he try to accommodate incoming key industrial workers who may come to take some of the subsidised houses, of which more than 50 are now vacant, should they need telephones to assist them in their industrial work?
§ Mr. MarplesWe will do our best. At this particular exchange, the capacity is 150 lines, 117 of which are working. There are eight outstanding applications. There is thus a spare margin of 25 lines, so we shall be able to cope with any applications which are made.
§ 7. Mr. Patrick Maitlandasked the Postmaster-General if he will state the present total capacity of the Douglas telephone exchange; and how many lines he expects will be vacated during the next six months.
§ Mr. MarplesThe present capacity is 150 lines. One hundred and seventeen lines are in use, this being one more than a year ago. Since 1st January, 1959, eight new applications have been received, and one line has been given up. I cannot anticipate how the position will change in the next six months.
§ Mr. MaitlandHas my right hon. Friend any view about the number of telephone lines now used by Douglas Castle colliery, which is to be closed down, thus making the lines vacant? How many will be available for incoming industry as a result of this closure?
§ Mr. MarplesI cannot answer without notice. Quite apart from that, however, we have enough lines, so I am quite satisfied.