HC Deb 18 February 1948 vol 447 cc219-20W
3. Mr. M. MacMillan

asked the Postmaster-General how many telephone installations have been made in the Outer Hebrides since July, 1945, and whether in the interests of economic development and for the convenience of communities lacking other adequate means of communication it is intended to accord to this area a degree of priority under his curtailed programme for the coming year.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

Since July, 1945 272 telephones, including 26 public call offices, have been provided in the Outer. Hebrides. As regards development in this area during the coming year, we shall do our best to meet essential requirements within the limits of our restricted national resources.

4. Mr. M. MacMillan

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of delay in the North of Scotland's electrification programme in the Outer Hebrides, he will consider early steps to improve the lighting in the smaller offices by such methods as the wind-mill lighting used by many people in the Islands.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

I am advised that there are technical difficulties in the way of my hon. Friend's proposal, but if he will furnish me with particulars of the offices he has in mind I will look into the matter.