Captain RAMSAYasked the Postmaster-General whether the delays on long-distance telephone calls in the evening have been reduced; and what steps he is taking to improve the service?
§ Major TRYONLong-distance telephoning in this country has developed considerably since the reduced rates introduced last year. Day calls have increased from 325,000 a week to about 365,000 a week now—a growth of 12 per cent.; while night calls have shown a remarkable increase from 64,000 a week to about 180,000 a week now—a growth of 180 per cent. So great a growth at night has naturally taxed the service336W severely and the difficulties became specially acute during the recent summer months, particularly in connection with calls from holiday resorts in distant parts of the country. These conditions have now largely disappeared and the position is steadily improving as new lines and equipment, which are being rapidly provided to meet the exceptional growth, are brought into use. We are taking every step to improve the quality of the service and a large programme of new main trunk lines in many parts of the country is well in hand. I should like to pay a tribute to the way in which the operating and engineering staff of the Post Office responded to the severe demands upon them and carried on the service in the abnormal conditions.