Lieutenant-Colonel GUINNESSasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the great delays in the London telephone service; and whether there is any prospect of the service shortly being restored to its pre-war efficiency?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHPrior to the Armistice the London telephone service, like many other services, was suffering from shortage of staff and from the replacement of experienced operators, who had volunteered for service abroad or entered other employment, by newly-trained recruits. A sufficient supply of candidates is now forthcoming, and, as1206W they complete their training, and acquire practical experience, I have every expectation that the service will improve until the pre-war standard is restored.