§ 19. Mr. Steeleasked the Postmaster-General why the request of Dumbarton Town Council to his Department to install cables during the construction of the new road at the same time as the other services are being provided for the new housing scheme at Glenside, Dumbarton, has been turned down.
§ The Postmaster-General (Mr. Reginald Bevins)I am sorry that the advance provision of telephone cables for the Glenside housing scheme has unfortunately had to be postponed in favour of more urgent work.
§ Mr. SteeleSurely we have converted the Government to planning. Is it not much better to install these cables at the same time as the other services are being provided and thus avoid the unsightly holes and lines which will have to go up later?
§ Mr. BevinsI entirely agree with the hon. Member that on grounds of economy that would be the right way to do it. Unfortunately, it was necessary for the local people to recast their programmes because a greater proportion of their moneys had to be devoted to the expanding trunk services and to meet demands which were already on hand.
§ Mr. SteeleWill the Postmaster-General look at these services again in view of the need for them to be done at the right time? The added cost incurred here will not be a waste. There will be a saving later.
§ Mr. BevinsI am not prepared to promise the hon. Member anything at this date, but I will look at the matter again.