HC Deb 18 December 1963 vol 686 cc1232-3
28. Mr. Ross

asked the Postmaster-General what proportion of telephone subscribers in Scotland enjoy subscriber trunk dialling facilities; and by how much that proportion will increase in the next three years.

Mr. Bevins

Thirty-four per cent. of telephone subscribers in Scotland now have STD and, if all goes well, 70 per cent. are expected to have it by the end of 1966.

Mr. Ross

Then that means that we shall have in the Highlands exactly the same percentage as Central Scotland has been promised?

Mr. Bevins

It means that in Scotland as a whole 70 per cent. of subscribers will have subscriber trunk dialling by the end of 1966.

Mr. Ross

But the right hon. Gentleman will appreciate that in answer to Question No. 17 he said that he hoped that the figure would be, I think, 90 per cent. in the growth areas, which will be getting preferential treatment over the next few years, which means that we shall have subscriber trunk dialling practically all over Scotland evenly spread at 70 per cent. The right hon. Gentleman must keep up to his promise.

Mr. Bevins

That is true. By the end of 1970 the figure will be almost 100 per cent.