§ 18. Mr. Mappasked the Postmaster-General how many telephone installation applications at the Oldham main exchange were outstanding for more than three months at the latest convenient date; and when he proposes to supply the necessary installations.
§ Mr. MawbyOne hundred and fifty-five as at 30th June, 1963. All these applications are for residential telephones, and nearly all will be met by the end of this year.
§ Mr. MappIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in one case a lady waited for three years for a telephone? Is he further aware that I have put to him a case where, despite strong professional reasons, a residential application must wait, apparently, until November? Will he see that these time-lags are cut down as quickly as possible?
§ Mr. MawbyThe hon. Gentleman must remember that one gets to a point where there is a shortage of cables and exchange equipment. Until these major changes have taken place there is virtually a standstill. But a main underground scheme will be completed this month and the 1245 cable position will then be good, except for small sections. The exchange will also be extended in October. All this will put us in a much better position to satisfy the requirements of people who have been waiting for longer than we would have wished.