§ Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Postmaster-General whether he is satisfied with the reliability of the telephone service operated to the small isles of Rhum, Eigg, Muck and Canna, in view of the need to ensure that the islanders are not cut off from regular contact with the mainland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterService to these islands is mainly by radio links, any faults are normally repaired quickly, but occasionally weather conditions prevent maintenance staff from reaching the islands for several days. The absence of public electricity supplies on the islands presents special difficulties. To overcome this and to improve the service we are installing transistorised equipment and renewed aerial systems. The exposed position of the islands makes it impossible to guarantee our normal service, but the measures being taken should provide as reliable a service as possible.