HC Deb 20 October 1954 vol 531 cc179-80W
96. Mr. Proctor

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what progress is being made in the re-equipment of the Eccles telephone exchange; and on what date he expects the new exchange will be opened.

Mr. Gammans

The new building is nearly finished and installation of the equipment will start next month. We hope to bring the automatic exchange into service in about 18 months' time.

101. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what saving in costs are expected to be made by the new dialling system; and what reduction will be made in cost of telephone calls.

Mr. Gammans

The opening of a new automatic exchange at Orpington, which I assume my hon. Friend has in mind, is part of our well-advanced plan to increase the efficiency of the telephone service. The governing factor in telephone finance is, however, the steep increase in all costs since the war and I am afraid there can be no prospect of any reduction in telephone call charges.