HC Deb 28 July 1931 vol 255 cc2118-9W
Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the Postmaster-General by how many the number of new telephone subscribers in the past three years has exceeded the number of subscribers relinquishing the use of installations?

Mr. ATTLEE

The net increase in telephone stations was 124,409 in 1928, 125,885 in 1929 and 109,222 in 1930.

Captain P. MACDONALD

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in order to encourage business firms to instal private telephone switchboards, he will follow the practice of private companies selling or renting mechanical devices and make arrangements to supply trained operators at fixed wages?

Mr. ATTLEE

The Post Office gives free training to telephone operators employed by subscribers renting private branch exchanges and, in cases of emergency, loans Post Office operators for a short period. These arrangements aim at ensuring the proper working of private branch exchanges and as a general rule meet the needs and convenience of subscribers. I do not think it desirable to maintain a trained operating staff solely for employment by telephone subscribers.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in cases of removal of subscribers, telephone instruments are allowed to remain until a new occupier has had an opportunity of continuing the use of the instrument; and, if so, what interval is allowed to elapse before the instrument is removed?

RETURN of the number of Accidents in which persons were killed or injured within the Metro politan Police District during the months of January, February, March, April, May and June, 1930, and during the months of January, February, March, April, May and June, 1931.
Month. 1930. 1931.
Fatal Accidents. Non-Fatal Accidents. Fatal Accidents. Non-Fatal Accidents.
January … … … … 118 3,501 86 3,016
February … … … … 102 2,928 87 2,804
March … … … … 98 3,960 113 3,259
April … … … … 112 4,243 108 4,011
May … … … … 109 4,798 114 4,727
June … … … … 109 * 116 *
Total … … 648 19,430 624 17,817
*NOTE.—The figures for the non-fatal accidents for the months of June, 1930 and 1931, are omitted as those for the 1931 period are not yet available.