§ 11. Mr. Hamlingasked the Postmaster-General how many applicants for telephones in the Eltham area have been given telephones in the last six months; and how many are still on the waiting list.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterAs at 30th April, 625 and 317, respectively. Of the latter, 50 were due to be connected this month, but I regret that shortage of exchange equipment will prolong waiting list problems in the area until the autumn of 1968.
§ Mr. HamlingI congratulate my hon. Friend on the improvement, which has been noted by some of my constituents. Can the date for ending the waiting list be brought forward?
§ Mr. SlaterI regret not. Planning, manufacture and installation necessarily take time, but the measures which have become effective during the last six months have more than halved the waiting list, which is a very good achievement.