§ 82. Mr. Snowasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that, notwithstanding previous undertakings given by his Department, there is still general dissatisfaction about the failure to provide a proper telephone service in the Lichfield area; and whether he will investigate the case of Messrs. 116W Thomas Robinson, Sons & Co. Ltd., who require an adequate telephone service at Shenstone near Lichfield.
§ Mr. BevinsProgress is not as rapid as I would wish in the Lichfield area but I am doing all I can to improve matters. A relief exchange was opened in August and new cables have been laid. 212 telephones have been put in during the past twelve months, and a further 56 are about to be. I expect the new automatic exchange to be opened next summer, and I hope then to provide telephones for nearly all the 180 applicants at present waiting.
When Messrs. Thomas Robinson, Sons & Co. Ltd. open their new branch at Shenstone next April two lines will be available. I shall not be able to provide then all the lines they need in April but further lines will be ready in July. I propose to write to the hon. Member in detail on this case.