§ 42. Mr. Jannerasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that some telephone exchanges can handle only three 999 calls at any one time, and that in some, 999 calls do not get priority automatically; and if he will make changes in the 999 system to ensure that all emergency calls can be dealt with at any time.
§ Mr. BevinsIn my view, no change is necessary. Experience does not suggest that present standards are inadequate. In general, these enable three 999 calls to be handled at once, and it is very unusual for as many as two calls to be made simultaneously. In a few cases, only two special 999 circuits are available but a third call can be handled simultaneously, although it does not get priority automatically. Otherwise, all 999 calls have priority.
§ Mr. JannerIs not that an alarming reply? Is the Postmaster-General saying that a person dialling 999 is not bound, of necessity, to get a line? Is he aware 1268 that within 30 yards of a house that was blazing and where a woman was lying dangerously ill—on the verge of death—a person could not get a 999 call through but twice got the "engaged" signal? Is not that a shocking state of affairs, and what does the right hon. Gentleman propose to do about it?
§ Mr. BevinsNo, it is not shocking at all. I know that case. It was a recent incident at the Popesgrove Exchange, where there was a glut of 999 calls all relating to the same incident. The first half-dozen callers got through, and there was no delay whatever in the summoning of the fire brigade.
§ Mr. JannerIn view of the extremely unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I propose to raise this subject at an early date on the Adjournment.