§ 111. Mr. Cooper-Keyasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of a noticeable deterioration in the 194W telephone services at the Hastings and Battle Exchanges; and to what extent this is due to shortage of staff or outdated equipment.
§ Mr. K. ThompsonMy information does not support my hon. Friend's suggestion. Both exchanges are in good condition, and the staff is adjusted to cater for the traffic in the summer season. Sudden and exceptional increases of traffic make it difficult sometimes to give as good a service as we should wish, but the requirements are closely watched. I understand that in the past day or two there have been faults on individual lines passing through wooded areas, but the trees have now been cut back, and I hope there will be no further trouble.