§ 82. Mr. C. Hughesasked the Assistant Postmaster-General to what extent the provision of new telephones is being impeded by shortage of cable; and what steps he is taking to increase the supply of cable.
§ Mr. GammansOne hundred and eighty thousand orders for telephones are at present held up because of shortage of wires in local cables. Since restrictions on capital investment were eased, we have increased our purchases of cable by more 163W than 50 per cent. A further increase is planned for 1955–56, but it will take time to clear the heavy arrears of work which exist throughout the country. There is no shortage of cable producing capacity at the present time; but our purchase of cable has in the past been restricted by the limitations on capital investment.