§ 22. Mr. Costainasked the Postmaster-General how many people are awaiting telephone installations in the Folkestone 202 and Hythe area; and what is the average delay under the present installation programme.
§ Mr. Joseph Slater271, of whom 136 cannot be given service until early 1967 owing to shortage of equipment. The remaining 135 should be connected shortly. Sixty per cent. of orders where plant is available are completed within 2 weeks, but I am sorry that figures for average delay are not available.
§ Mr. CostainDoes the Postmaster-General realise the inconvenience that this is causing? Does he not think it unfair that people who move from larger flats to smaller ones to give preference to people wanting flats should be deprived of a telephone under his priority service?
§ Mr. SlaterThree of the exchanges in the area covered by the hon. Gentleman's constituency have become short of equipment and line plant owing to the very heavy demand for the service. Relief measures are in hand and ought to be completed by early 1967. Those should ease the position.