§ Mr. M. MacMillanasked the Assistant Postmaster-General when it is intended to cheapen, to reduce waiting time and clarify reception on trunk calls to and from the Outer Hebrides and the mainland.
§ Mr. BurkeTrunk calls to and from the Outer Hebrides are charged according to 1601W distance on a scale applicable throughout the country. Since this scale reaches a maximum at 125 miles for day calls (3s. 9d.) and 50 miles at night (1s. 6d.) it is very favourable to remote places such as the Outer Hebrides. There is normally no delay on the circuits between the islands and the mainland and such delays as have occurred have been due to circuit interruptions. The opening of a direct outlet from Lochmaddy to the mainland when the new exchange at Lochmaddy is ready, will improve the quality of speech to a number of places which have at present to be reached by a circuitous route, including a radio link.
§ Mr. MacMillanasked the Assistant Postmaster-General when it is intended to extend telephone facilities through the Isle of North Uist.
§ Mr. BurkeA public call office with access to the mainland is already available at Lochmaddy and arrangements are in hand to open an exchange in the spring of next year. As soon as this exchange is working, full telephone service will be given to all the 15 people in the island who have applied for it.