§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Postmaster-General whether he will state the names of the islands of the Western Islands of Scotland having post offices or a post office but no public telephone kiosk available for a 24-hour daily service; and what steps he is taking to increase the telephone facilities in these islands?
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§ Sir W. WomersleyAs the islands concerned are numerous I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate details in the OFFICIAL REPORT. On the general question I am sure he will appreciate that the first objective is to bring the Western Islands within the scope of the telephone system. The Post Office has for some time been concentrating on this, and despite technical difficulties has made great progress.
Following are the details:
The islands concerned are 22 in number. At Barra, Benbecula, Berneray, Eriskay, Grimsay, Lismore, North Uist, South Uist and Vatersay, kiosks will be provided as part of developments now in progress. At Canna, Coll, Colonsay, Eigg, Gigha, Jura, Kerrera, Raasay, Rhum, Scalpay and Tiree it is not technically practicable to provide kiosks with a 24-hour service, though it is already possible to obtain calls at night in an emergency. For Scarp and Soay the provision of telephone facilities cannot unfortunately be justified.