HC Deb 15 December 1958 vol 597 cc165-6W
Lord Balniel

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the growth of demand for telephones in Welwyn Garden City due to the rapidly expanding population; and what steps he proposes to take to satisfy the demand pending the opening of the new automatic telephone exchange.

Mr. K. Thompson

Yes. We are doing all we can to meet the demand. We have installed 281 telephones in the past twelve months; a new cable will be completed in the spring, and the equipment at the exchange is being enlarged.

Lord Balniel

asked the Postmaster-General when he expects that work will be begun on the building of the new automatic telephone exchange at Welwyn Garden City.

Mr. K. Thompson

I had hoped that a start would be made this month, but unfortunately this is not possible. Work will begin next month, or early February.

Lord Balniel

asked the Postmaster-General how many persons in Welwyn Garden City are awaiting the installation of a telephone at the latest available date; and what is the average time which applicants have to wait before the telephone is installed.

Mr. K. Thompson

At 30th November there were 25. In addition, 116 orders were under inquiry or in course of being met. Where plant is available, the average time between receipt of the order and installation is two to three months.

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