HC Deb 18 May 1966 vol 728 cc1310-1
7. Mrs. Knight

asked the Postmaster-General what arrangements have been made to overcome the shortage of telephone exchange equipment in Birmingham.

Mr. Benn

Major extensions to the value of £3 million are currently on order for Birmingham exchanges; half of this is to improve the trunk service. In addition, many smaller extensions are being carried out by Post Office staff and a further £1 million worth of equipment is on order for this purpose.

Mrs. Knight

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that while his reply will be received with pleasure, there were at the end of the March quarter 5,767 applicants on the list for telephones in the Birmingham area? Therefore, will he please speed up this matter as much as he can?

Mr. Benn

As the hon. Lady knows, it takes many years to build a telephone exchange, but within the next year we shall be providing enough equipment for most of the applicants and within the next two years more orders to the value of £6 million are planned for the Birmingham area alone.

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