§ Mr. PENNEFATHERasked the Postmaster-General the total number of applicants for the installation of telephones in the Liverpool district during 1920; how many of these have had the instruments installed; how many are still on the waiting list; what is the longest period for which any applicant has been kept waiting; and the causes of delays?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe total number of applications in the Liverpool district during 1920 was 3,255. The number of installations actually provided in 1920 was 2,440, of which about 1,800 were in respect of orders on hand at the end of 1919. A further 500 installations are in course of completion and 2,100 cannot be dealt with at present for lack of exchange accommodation. A relief exchange which provides for 1,700 subscribers' lines is on the point of completion and provision for a further 2,500 lines is in hand. I am having inquiry made as regards the longest period for which any applicant has been waiting for service.