§ 23. Mr. George Jegerasked the Postmaster-General when it is intended that Goole telephone exchange will become 825 automatic; and what effect this will have on the number of staff employed.
Mr. SlaterWe plan to open the new automatic exchange, with STD, in the spring of 1968; no operators will then be required at Goole, but we foresee no difficulty in arranging for the existing staff to be absorbed at other exchanges in the region.
§ Mr. JegerIs there any way in which this bigger exchange can be converted before 1968, which seems rather a long time ahead?
Mr. SlaterThere is a heavy programme of similar work in that Post Office region much of which is necessary to provide customers with a telephone service. This job can be expedited only at the expense of other work of a more pressing character.