§ 24. Mr. M. Lindsayasked the Postmaster-General how often there is an appreciable delay in making telephone calls, during business hours, between London and Birmingham owing to all the lines being engaged; what is the maximum normal delay; and what steps is taking to improve this situation.
§ Mr. BevinsNormally, calls are connected between London and Birmingham without any appreciable delay, but I regret that on three recent occasions the service has been affected by cable faults. I am arranging for a spare coaxial tube to be put in as a standby; this will be in service next month. This will materially reduce the risk of interruptions to the service.