§ 34. Mr. Milneasked the Postmaster-General what is the number of applications awaiting the installation of telephones in the Blyth constituency; and how long is it expected to be before they are completed.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterTwenty-six at 31st October, 1967. Twenty-two of these will be met after additional exchange equipment is installed in December. Provision of new cables, scheduled for completion in March and April 1968, will be needed to serve the remaining applications.
§ Mr. MilneIs my hon. Friend aware that we are perfectly satisfied, or almost perfectly satisfied, with the rate of progress being made, but that we are finding that firms and others attempting to make 'phone calls to the area are having increasing difficulties? Will he look into this matter?
§ Mr. SlaterWe will look into it. If business people centred in these areas have complaints, we will consider them. If my hon. Friend has any particular case which he would like me to look into, I should be only too pleased to do so.