§ Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Postmaster-General how many country satellite telephones have been provided in Scotland; how many are in the Highlands; how many are in the Outer Hebrides; and if he will state his plans regarding extension of this service in the Highlands and Islands.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterThe information is as follows:—
Country Satellite Exchanges Working Lines Outer Hebrides … 6 86 Mull … 4 48 Highlands … 11 114 Total … 21 248 We do not plan to provide any more of these exchanges, and they will all be replaced or absorbed by automatic exchanges by 1971. By providing additional units on the existing exchanges as they are required, we expect to have sufficient equipment to meet all the additional demands for service that are likely to arise before conversion is completed.