§ Sir G. Foxasked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the difficulties apparently experienced in connecting would-be subscribers with the telephone system, he can state whether there is any shortage of machinery or equipment and, if so, of what nature; and whether, to increase employment and also to meet further requirements, he will stimulate the 42W manufacture of installation equipment in this country?
§ Sir W. WomersleyThere is no avoidable shortage of either machinery or equipment. It is true that the special requirements of Defence, and the fact that the ordinary increase of subscribers has more than doubled, have put a heavy strain on the Post Office and its contractors, but both have greatly enlarged their capacity; the number of applicants waiting for telephone service is steadily decreasing. My hon. Friend may rest assured that the manufacture of equipment has already been stimulated to the utmost extent practicable.