HC Deb 13 April 1965 vol 710 cc164-5W
Mr. Forrest

asked the Postmaster-General how many telephones were installed in Mid-Ulster in each of the last 10 years; and how many he expects to install in 1965, 1966 and 1967, respectively.

Mr. Joseph Slater

The figures in respect of the 24 exchange areas mainly serving Mid-Ulster for each of the last eight years are given below. I am sorry that information is not now available for the years ending March, 1956, and March, 1957.

Year ending Number of Telephones installed
31st March, 1958 276
31st March, 1959 267
31st March, 1960 294
31st March, 1961 393
31st March, 1962 405
31st March, 1963 345
31st March, 1964 468
31st March, 1965 566

So far as 1965, 1966 and 1967 are concerned, I expect we shall meet the estimated demand.

Mr. Forrest

asked the Postmaster-General how many telephone kiosks were installed in Mid-Ulster in each of the last 10 years; and how many he expects to install in the next three years.

Mr. Joseph Slater

The figures for the financial years since 1956 are as follows:

1956–57 1 1961–62 2
1957–58 3 1962–63 4
1958–59 2 1963–64 6
1959–60 NIL 1964–65 NIL
1960–61 4 1965–66 2 (up to 30th September, 1965)

My right hon. Friend cannot at present make a forecast for the next three years, as discussions about the allocation of rural kiosks after 30th September, 1965, are still in progress.