§ Mr. CLOUGHasked the Postmaster-General whether the delay in providing new plant for telephone extension 472W which is urgently needed to promote business at the present time is due to congestion at the manufacturers or to conditions in respect to labour; whether he is aware that there is much unemployment in the country; and whether, under these circumstances, he can try to extend the list of firms which manufacture for the Post Office?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe delay to which the hon. Member refers is due to congestion at manufacturers' works. The position has arisen out of the abnormal demands from many sources for the products of the engineering foundry, building, woodworking, and other trades, during a period when manufacturers' output is limited owing to shortage of certain materials, and to other causes. Every opportunity is taken to extend the list of firms capable of meeting Post Office requirements.