HC Deb 05 November 1973 vol 863 cc589-90
5. Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what is the current waiting list for the installation of telephones in private houses in the United Kingdom; and how it compares with the same waiting list in November 1972.

Sir J. Eden

At 30th September last 139,000, compared with 195,000 at the end of November 1972.

Mr. Janner

Does this reduction result from a diminution in the number of people applying for telephones or from an increase in the speed of installation? What proportion of the number still waiting consists of elderly and disabled people who do not receive the priority they should?

Sir J. Eden

I cannot answer the last part of the hon. and learned Gentleman's question. I shall look into it to see whether I can give him the information. The reduction in the waiting list is substantially due to the greater efforts which are being made to increase the capacity of the service, by the provision of such items as mobile exchanges, and to the improvement in deliveries of exchange equipment. I am glad to say that this is still being maintained.

Mr. Golding

However welcome those figures are, is the Minister aware that in some localities there is great concern that telephones are being fitted quickly at the expense of the maintenance of the quality of service for existing subscribers? Will he ensure that the first priority of Post Office telecommunications must be to maintain and improve the quality of service being given to existing subscribers——

Mr. Speaker

Order. I think that that is enough.

Sir J. Eden

I think that it is the responsibility of the Post Office, which I know it readily accepts, to endeavour to do both. It wants to ensure that the quality of service is steadily improved and that the number of subscribers is steadily increased.

Mr. Tom King

Will my right hon. Friend give the figure for the number of new telephones installed within the past two years? Is the sharp increase in installation rate being maintained over anything that was previously achieved?

Sir J. Eden

If my hon. Friend will put down a Question along those lines, I shall see what information I can give him.

Mr. Wellbeloved

Is the Minister aware that there are serious delays in the installation of telephones in my area of Erith and Crayford? Will he undertake to review in particular the Thames-mead area where new subscribers are being kept waiting for many months?

Sir J. Eden

I am sure that the Post Office will take note of what the hon. Gentleman has said. I am aware that there are long waiting lists at some exchanges. The Post Office is doing its best to clear these as rapidly as possible.