Telecommunications Manufacturing Industry

HC Deb 05 November 1973 vol 863 cc609-10

22. Mr. Golding

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will establish a committee of inquiry into the future of the telecommunications manufacturing industry.

Mr. Emery

I do not consider that a committee of inquiry is needed.

Mr. Golding

Is the Minister aware that we are rapidly losing our telecommunications equipment manufacturing exports? If we are to have a British industry, it must be done quickly by developing a telephone exchange to follow the TXE4s. Will the hon. Gentleman inform us what is preventing British industry from now getting on with the job?

Mr. Emery

The major manufacturers are active in many aspects of co-operation with the Post Office, and the Post Office will be working closely with the manufacturers to ensure that export considerations are borne fully in mind in the further development of telephone exchanges for domestic use.

Mr. Kaufman

Ought not the hon. Gentleman to reconsider his reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Golding)? Should he not start such an inquiry with an investigation into the telecommunications equipment in the House of Commons, as I find that when I attempt to telephone my local authority in Manchester either I cannot get a line or I widen my acquaintance with people in the Channel Islands, Torquay, Belfast and various other parts of the country, this equipment being totally useless?

Mr. Emery

The answer to the first part of the question is "No, Sir" and to the second part is to ask that the question be addressed to the appropriate Minister.

Mr. Molloy

Is the Minister aware that when hon. Members table Questions for the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications about delays in installing equipment, we are always told that the private manufacturers have not met the target dates promised to the Post Office, and that those are the true reasons for the delay? Will the Minister look again at the answer he gave to my hon. Friend who initiated this discussion and take seriously the fact that there is a need for such consultation and that the Minister should support it?

Mr. Emery

I accept the criticism made about manufacturers' delivery dates up to the period 1970–71. This was a major problem. Since then delivery dates have become appreciably better. I do not suggest that they are perfect, but there have been major improvements. There is now a decline in the bad delivery dates of this equipment, which I am certain the House will welcome.