§ 19. Mr. Urwinasked the Postmaster-General how many telephones were manufactured in 1964, 1965, 1966 and 1967, respectively; and what will be the estimated number in 1968, 1969 and 1970; and what are the respective percentages for development areas, including specific figures for the Northern Region.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterAs the Answer is a table of figures, I am circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. UrwinI trust that, when the figures are circulated, they will prove to be helpful to the Northern Region. May I ask my hon. Friend if he is fully 638 seized of the vital importance of concentrating as much of this work as possible within the development areas?
§ Mr. SlaterYes, and I can assure my hon. Friend that the greater proportion of the manufacture of telephones takes place in the development areas. When he sees the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT, I am sure that he will be pleased with them.
§ Sir A. V. HarveyCan the hon. Gentleman say what effect the fire at the Plessey factory in Yorkshire, causing £3 million damage, has had on the production of telephones?
§ Mr. SlaterNo.
§ Following is the information:
| Percentage | |||
| Year | Quantity | In all DAs | In Northern Region |
| 1964–65 | 1,775,000 | 19 | 12 |
| 1965–66 | 1,400,000 | 17 | 15 |
| 1966–67 | 1,825,000 | 49 | 16 |
| 1967–68 | 1,525,000 | 60 | 9 |
| 1968–69 | 1,250,000 | 82 | 21 |
| A reliable estimate for 1969–70 is not yet available. |