HC Deb 23 October 1946 vol 427 cc381-2W
111. Mr. W. Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to obtain high priority for telephone equipment, including switchboards, for Malaya, where their absence is causing a severe hold-up in both administration and business throughout the country.

Mr. Creech Jones

All Malayan orders for telephone equipment, including switchboards, are treated as of high priority. In spite of difficulties due to shortage of labour and materials it has already been possible to deliver more than half the orders placed, and the remainder are expected to arrive in Malaya between now and June next.