HC Deb 18 July 1968 vol 768 cc1657-8
32. Mr. Small

asked the Postmaster-General what progress he is making with the development of electronic exchanges; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stonehouse

Electronic exchange development is going ahead well and all new small exchanges are of this type. Over 170 are on order and are coming into service soon at the rate of one a week. Those already installed are giving excellent service.

Development of larger exchanges is well advanced and public trials are likely towards the end of this year. These exchanges will take maximum advantage of recent progress in microelectronics technology.

Mr. Small

I thank my right hon. Friend for that Answer. In view of its nature and the progress which I have noted today, will he forecast whether the use of these electronic exchanges is to be the ultimate system in Britain?

Mr. Stonehouse

I would not go so far as to say that. It will form an important part of our Post Office development in the next year or so, but we are at present working on a new system in connection with which we hope to have development trials towards the end of the year.

Mr. Bryan

What is the export potential of this electronic exchange equipment? Is the Post Office still open to the charge of hampering exports, owing to its somewhat over-rigid specifications, as it has been in the past?

Mr. Stonehouse

I am very keen that in our Post Office procurement policy we assist manufacturers to produce equipment which can be sold abroad as well as in the United Kingdom. I am most anxious that in the development of the electronic exchange we produce something which will have tremendous export potential. We have a development here which is ahead of the rest of the world.