§ 5. Mr. Roderickasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what is the latest supply position in regard to equipment for the installation of telephones.
§ Mr. ChatawayThis is a management matter for the Post Office. I would refer 395 the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Golding) on 28th October.—[Vol. 823, c. 479.]
§ Mr. RoderickDoes the Minister recognise that there are serious delays in getting telephones installed in many parts of Wales? The answer that I am given on each occasion by telephone managers is shortage of equipment. Will the right hon. Gentleman advise the Post Office Corporation to start manufacturing equipment for itself, thereby also helping to solve the unemployment problem?
§ Mr. ChatawayThe Post Office is moving as fast as it can to meet increasing demand. To a large extent the capacity of the telephone service is determined by investment five years previously. Investment is now running at more than 50 per cent. higher than it was five years ago.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieWill the Minister answer the point made by my hon. Friend the Member for Brecon and Radnor (Mr. Roderick) about manufacturing by the Post Office itself? The Minister seems continually to refer us to the Post Office Corporation. If the Corporation is to be a commercial organisation, should it not be allowed to make commercial judgments and operate in that way?
§ Mr. ChatawayAs I have told the hon. Gentleman before, I have received no application from the Post Office for permission to manufacture; nor do I believe that that will be any answer to the problems.