§ 29. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Postmaster-General whether he will revise his programme for the introduction of subscriber trunk dialling at the Ongar exchange and other exchanges in adjacent parts of Essex.
§ Mr. Edward ShortI am very sorry this is not possible. I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given him on 12th July, which explained that subscriber trunk dialling will be introduced at Ongar and other exchanges when Brentwood is converted to automatic working in 1970. [Vol. 731, c. 193.]
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I share his sorrow? Is not the programme a little too dilatory for so dynamic and purposive a Government? Is he aware of the prevalent dissatisfaction at the present state of the telephonic communications in the Ongar parishes, including the views of the Essex Farmers' Union?
§ Mr. ShortPerhaps I should tell the hon. Gentleman the history of this matter. The Conservative Government started to look for a site at Brentwood in 1952. They had not found one in October, 1964. My right hon. Friend, my predecessor, found one within a few weeks of coming into office and purchased it in December, 1964. Building is now starting and the programme is going forward.