§ 10. Mr. Sydney Irvingasked the Postmaster-General what proportion of the 482 applicants awaiting telephone service in January have now been accommodated; what progress is being made with the building of an extension to the Dartford Exchange; when he anticipates this will be complete; and how many additional subscribers this will allow.
§ Mr. MarplesFifty-four so far, and the majority of the remainder should be accommodated later this year when additional exchange equipment and new cables will be ready for service. The start of the building extension has unfortunately been delayed, but it should be under way by the end of the year. The whole work, including installation of the equipment for 2,300 more lines, is planned for completion in just over 3 years.