Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Bristol

HC Deb 23 November 1967 vol 754 c1480

12. Mr. David Watkins

asked the Postmaster-General what proposals he has to improve the telephone service between the Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Bristol areas.

Mr. Edward Short

I am aware that the service between Newcastle and Bristol is not as good as it should be. This is because of a shortage of trunk lines between the two places. I expect to increase the number of lines by 33 per cent. in December, and to make a further increase in March 1968.

Mr. Watkins

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this news will be welcomed by both ends of this heavily engaged trunk line? Can we have an assurance that the improvements will be in operation at the times he has suggested?

Mr. Short

The 12 additional lines in December will make a great improvement, but the 13 in March will remove all the difficulties.