§ 81. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the telephone exchange at Newport was erected as the first major experimental station for the automatic dial system in this country about 3o years ago; that much of the equipment is now out of date and obsolete and is causing serious difficulties in maintenance; and if he will consider the desirability of having it completely modernised and put in efficient working order.
§ Mr. BurkeI am aware of the shortcomings of some of the automatic equipment at Newport exchange. Complete modernisation will need a new building, which cannot be put in hand yet, but meanwhile additional equipment of modern design is being installed and the unsatisfactory portions of the old equipment are being renewed.
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§ 83. Fliģht-Lieutenant Crawleyasked the Assistant Postmaster-General when some improvement in the telephone service of this country may be expected.
§ Mr. Burke:Improvement has already taken place with the release of Post Office staff from the Forces. This process is continuing and further improvement will take place as additional labour becomes available and the staff employed gains greater experience.
§ 84. Winģ-Commander Hulbertasked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many telephones have been supplied to private subscribers in the London telephone area since 1st January; and how many applications for service are outstanding.
§ Mr. Burke:In the London Telecommunications Region 55,400 telephones have been installed for private applicants between 1st January and 23rd March, 1946. The number of private applications outstanding at the end of February, 1946, w is about 97,700.