HC Deb 24 September 1948 vol 456 cc198-9W
Mr. Mitchison

asked the Postmaster-General how many applicants in the area of Boughton and Chapel Brampton, near Northampton, are waiting for telephones; what is the date of the earliest of their applications; how many of the applicants applied in that and in each succeeding year; whether he proposes to instal an exchange at Boughton; when the plans for that exchange were approved; and when he expects to begin and complete the necessary work, or otherwise to provide additional telephone facilities in the area.

Mr. Paling

There are 104 applicants waiting for telephones in the Boughton and Chapel Brampton area, which is served from the Chapel Brampton exchange. The date of the earliest application is 24th April, 1941, and the appended table shows how many of the applicants applied in that and in each succeeding year. Additional telephone facilities in this area will be provided by a new and larger exchange at Chapel Brampton. The plans for this exchange were approved in 1947, but, owing to the restriction of new building construction, this particular job cannot be commenced until 1951. It is hoped that the new exchange will be available for service in 1952.

Number of outstanding applications on the Chapel Brampton exchange and the year of receipt.

Year No. of applications
1941 4
1942 1
1943 6
1944 7
1945 13
1946 26
1947 29
1948 18
1941–1948 104

Mr. Granville Sharp

asked the Postmaster-General why, in view of the assurances given to the hon. Member for Spen Valley, there is continued delay in the installation of a telephone for Messrs. M. Hartley, Welding Engineers, Brighton Mills, Heckmondwike; and when this service will be provided.

Mr. Paling

I regret that the cable rearrangement which was necessary in order to provide telephone service for Messrs. M. Hartley took longer to complete than was estimated. The work has now been completed, and it is hoped to provide service this week.