HC Deb 02 June 1964 vol 695 cc901-2
10. Mir. Hector Hughes

asked the Postmaster-General if he will make a statement on the progress of the telephone conversion to subscriber trunk dialling in Scotland; and when he expects to have it completed and in full working order in all regions.

Mr. Bevins

Forty per cent. of telephone subscribers in Scotland now have S.T.D. I expect that the introduction of this facility will be substantially completed in all regions and available to well over 90 per cent. of subscribers by 1970.

Mr. Hughes

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he realises that that is an extremely unsatisfactory Answer? Why should Scotland lag behind England in this matter? Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that Scotland is brought up to at least the level of England?

Mr. Bevins

There is not a great deal in it. The percentage covered in the United Kingdom as a whole is 45, the percentage in Scotland is 40, and, anyway, Aberdeen has it.