Mr. Braddockasked the Postmaster-General if, in view of the grave shortage of telephone facilities throughout the country for businesses started by ex-Service men after coming out of the Forces, especially in the Mitcham area, he will cut down the number of lines to large and older-established businesses, so that the small trader of today will not always be in the same position, and as the number of businesses with a star in the telephone directory, London area, is very high.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingEx-prisoners of war and war disabled ex-Service men and civilians, are given priority in the provision of telephone service, but I regret that I would not be justified in extending this priority to all ex-Service men. As regards the Mitcham area, some additional equipment has now been installed in the exchange and this will enable about 200 applicants to be provided with service.