§ 93. Mr. Hardyasked the Assistant Postmaster-General why subscribers in the Salford area have to meet charges for telephone repairs caused by the recent flood.
§ Mr. BurkeIn common with other telephone administrations and public utilities, the Post Office has based its charges on the assumption that the user shall be responsible for the safety of hired apparatus on his own premises. While I sympathise with those of my hon. Friend's constituents whose premises were damaged by the recent floods, I regret that I cannot see my way to treat them exceptionally250W in regard to liability for the cost of repair to their telephones.
§ 94. Major Bramallasked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many applications for the installation of telephones are still outstanding in the area of the Bexley Heath exchange; at what rate these applications are being dealt with; and what special steps it is proposed to take to expedite the installation of telephones in that area.
§ Mr. BurkeOn 30th September, there were 2,105 outstanding applications for service on the Bexley Heath exchange. Seventy-two new subscribers were connected in the last three months, but substantial additions are dependent on the completion of underground cable work which is in hand and is expected next spring. Further development will necessitate extension of the exchange equipment as well as the provision of additional cables. The whole work is being pressed forward to the limit of our resources in man-power and materials.
§ 99. Mr. Dumpletonasked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he will now arrange for the publication of local telephone directories, in view of their great convenience to local traders and shopkeepers.
§ Mr. BurkeYes, Sir; I am glad to say that arrangements are already in hand to resume publication of these directories as soon as possible.