Major HENDERSONasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that some residents in Hampstead and Beckenham who are telephone subscribers have not yet received the new telephone directory; whether he will take steps to expedite its delivery; and if he will explain what was the object of publishing a new directory in April if its issue is to be delayed until the end of June?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe issue of the London telephone directory was begun on 19th April, and will, it is hoped, be completed during the course of next week. About one-fifth of the subscribers have still to be supplied. The delay is due to the difficulty which the printing contractors have experienced in obtaining the 300 tons of paper required for the directory, largely in consequence of the moulders' strike, which delayed the completion of new paper mills. They have also been hampered by the dearth of efficient labour, the reduction in the hours of working and the restrictions on overtime.