§ Mr. MANDERasked the Postmaster-General what extra funds have been placed at the disposal of the Post Office for the current year in respect of telephone development in addition to the expenditure of the last three years?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHThe expenditure of the Post Office on telephone plant in any period represents the full amount required to provide for the maximum growth of telephone stations and traffic which, according to detailed up-to-date forecasts, it will be possible by active canvassing to obtain. The actual amount spent in any given year is related, not only to requirements of that year's growth, but also to the extent to which the forecasted growth of future years justifies early commencement of large works to mature in time to meet it. Following on progressive improvements in the trunk telephone service designed to accelerate the growth of traffic,2398W it was possible last year to put in hand works estimated to cost £750,000 in addition to the authorised programme for that year, and this year to accelerate the expenditure of a further £750,000.