§ Mr. Parkerasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that an application to fit a telephone at the house of Mr. W. J. Sharp, 57, Ravenscourt Drive, Hornchurch, was made early in January and that, despite repeated promises, nothing has yet been done; and 3102W whether he can take steps to hasten telephone installation in the rapidly growing areas round London?
§ Sir W. WomersleyThe rapid increase in growth of telephone subscribers resulting from reductions in tariff has exhausted the capacity of underground cables in certain areas. Plant is being provided to accommodate additional subscribers but it is unfortunately true that in a number of areas subscribers have had to wait for some time for service because of the extensive operations involved. The Post Office is fully alive to the need for minimising the inconvenience caused to Mr. Sharp and other prospective subscribers and every effort is being made to expedite the provision of plant. It is expected that Mr. Sharp will be given service within the next fortnight.
§ Mr. R. C. Morrisonasked the Postmaster-General when it is proposed to convert Tottenham telephone exchange to the automatic system?
§ Major TryonArrangements are in hand for the extension of the Tottenham exchange building to accommodate automatic plant; and I hope that it will be possible to effect the transfer to automatic working about the end of 1939.