§ Major WARINGasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that an 1620W applicant for the installation of a telephone in his house at Whickham-on-Tyne was refused and told to apply again in three months, the reason for the delay being given as shortage of staff; and whether, in view of the cessation of hostilities, he will insist on the demobilisation of enough efficient engineers to obviate the necessity of such delays?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe work of providing the telephone in this case will involve the services of a gang of workmen who cannot be spared at present without prejudice to other more urgent works. The demobilisation of men of the Post Office engineering staff is, I am informed, being proceeded with as rapidly as possible in view of military requirements.