§ 18. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Postmaster-General what statistics are available of the number of private telephone subscribers in 1964 and 1966; and what forecasts are available of the numbers of telephone subscribers by 1968, and 1970.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterThere were 3.4 million residential connections in service at March 1964 and 4.2 million at March 1966. Our forecasts for March 1968 and 1970 are 5 million and 6.2 million, respectively.
§ Mr. RobertsDoes not the Assistant Postmaster-General agree that there has been a failure by private manufacturing companies producing telephone equipment, and that this is part of the trouble, in spite of the enormous efforts that have been made? Does not he agree that this is an example of private industry failing to meet a public need? Does he further agree that, in view of the recent revelations about the position in the aircraft industry, there should be a close examination of the profits made by private manufacturers of telephone equipment?
§ Mr. SlaterIt is true that manufacturers have been unable to keep up with delivery dates in the building of new telephone exchanges. That is one of the major reasons for the Post Office not having been able to provide the expected number of telephones for applicants in the period in question.