37. Mr. H. Wilsonasked the Postmaster General if he is aware that sudden changes in the Post Office's investment programme have caused serious redundancies at an import factory in the Merseyside area producing telephone and associated equipment; and if he will make a statement on the situation.
§ Mr. MarplesThe Post Office investment programme has been restricted in conformity with the Government policy of restraint in the public sector. Because of this is was necessary, last October, to inform the manufacturers that expenditure on telephone exchange equipment in 1958–59 would continue at the then existing level, instead of rising as had been expected. There has been no further change in the investment programme. A slowing down of orders for telephone instruments has also been necessary.