§ 46. Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Postmaster-General how many miles of cable capable of being used for data transmission at the highest speeds have now been laid; and what are his proposals for the next three years, allowing for Government cuts in capital expenditure.
§ Mr. Edward ShortAll the main trunk telephony network—including the microwave network—is capable of being used for high speed data transmission. Only the cables from the network to the customers' premises are provided specially.
The main network is expected to grow by 60 per cent. in the next three years.
§ Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Postmaster-General what organisation he has now set up between computer manufac- 154W turers and prospective users to cover the whole question of confidentiality as and when data transmission links come into operation.
§ Mr. Edward ShortNo formal organisation of this kind has yet been set up. However, my Department and the Electronic Engineering Association are currently considering the setting up of a joint Post Office/Industry consultative body in which problems of mutual interest in relation to data processing could be discussed.