HC Deb 30 November 1966 vol 737 c447
30. Mr. Hamling

asked the Postmaster-General how many applications for telephones in the Eltham area are still outstanding; and when the applicants will be provided with telephones.

Mr. Edward Short

858 at 31st October, 1966. I regret that, owing to a shortage of exchange equipment, it will be mid-1968 before all these applicants can be given service.

Mr. Hamling

Why are the private firms concerned so slow?

Mr. Short

The difficulty in the provision of telephones, of course, is the shortage of exchange equipment. We buy all the equipment which the industry can produce, but the present industry's capacity does not equal the demand.

Mr. Bryan

To what extent has the general waiting list for telephones been reduced by rationing by the purse, in other words, by the new and increased one-year charge which has to be paid in advance?

Mr. Short

That is not this Question. That is a different matter. There was a slight reduction at first, but it now seems to be running at the same level as previously.

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