HC Deb 23 April 1968 vol 763 cc31-2W
Mr. Alan Lee Williams

asked the Postmaster-General how many applications have been made since 1966 for the installation of new telephones; at what rate the Post Office is installing telephones; and what are the reasons for delays that are being experienced in the Hornchurch area.

Mr. Mason

From January, 1966, to March 1968, the national demand for new telephones was 1,817,000; during the same period new telephones were installed at an average rate of 65,700 a month.

Shortage of equipment in Hornchurch and Ingrebourne exchanges, and at Rom-ford switching centre, is causing delay in giving service to applicants in the Hornchurch area.

nearest hundred at June, 1966, the latest date for which local estimates are available.