HC Deb 16 March 1970 vol 798 cc32-3
56. Mr. Golding

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he is satisfied that sufficient capital has been made available to meet the demand for telecommunication services; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stonehouse

Yes, Sir. The recent Public Expenditure White Paper shows the large and rising investment programme authorised by the Government. among other things, to expand and improve our telecommunications.

Mr. Golding

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Post Office is attributing shared service to cuts in capital investment programmes, and that failure by private equipment manufacturers to meet their delivery dates is being blamed on the Post Office when inferior service ensues?

Mr. Stonehouse

I do not understand my hon. Friend's point about cuts, because expenditure over the next five years is authorised at £2,5000 million, which shows increases in each of those five years. The question of deliveries is one for the new board to deal with.

Mr. Bryan

Is the figure the right hon. Gentleman gave the one that Lord Hall gave out or the figure in the White Paper?

Mr. Stonehouse

The figure in the White Paper is £2,500 million, which shows the Ministerial authority for expenditure during the next five years.