§ 50. Sir E. Bullusasked the Postmaster-General if he will give directions that the entire telephone numbers of the official local authorities of the London Borough of Brent be included in the London telephone directory.
§ Mr. Edward ShortIt is necessary to minimise the repetition of entries in the London telephone directory to keep the book to a manageable size. I sympathise 1452 with the hon. Gentleman but I cannot agree to his suggestion at present, but studies are proceeding into how the pattern of directories for London could be improved and the needs of the new London Boroughs are being given particular consideration.
§ Sir E. BullusDoes not the Postmaster-General consider it absurd that, when Parliament creates the London Borough of Brent, the local departments of that authority are scattered over three telephone areas, causing great inconvenience to my constituents? Would he give a more satisfactory Answer and try to speed up the provision of a single entry for these numbers?
§ Mr. ShortI agree that the hon. Gentleman has a point, which arises from the redrawing of the London borough boundaries. We are consulting the Pest Office Users Council and the local authorities and I hope that this position will eventually right itself.