§ 69. Mr. Marplesasked the Postmaster- General how long he estimates it will take to install telephones to satisfy out standing applications in Wallasey, assuming the rate of installations during the last 12 months is maintained.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsAbout two years; the rate of provision last year is not a reliable basis, since all outstanding applications cannot be met until new cables are provided. In view of our limited resources, I cannot estimate when this work will be undertaken.
§ 70. Mr. Marplesasked the Postmaster- General how many of the outstanding applications for telephones in Wallasey are business; how many are private applications; what is the date of the earliest of these applications; and how many of the applications are in that and in each succeeding year, respectively.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThe desired particulars are as follows (the figures exclude 166 applications in course of being met):
WALLASEY—OUTSTANDING APPLICATIONS Year Business Residential Total 1946 … — 8* 8 1947 … 14† 87 101 1948 … 38 171 209 1949 … 55 242 297 1950 … 30 167 197 Total … 137 675 812 * The earliest application was made on 23rd September, 1946. † The earliest application was made on 30th June, 1947.
§ 71. Mr. Wilkesasked the Postmaster-General what is the number of applications for telephones outstanding in the City of Newcastle-upon-Tyne; how many of these applications are for commercial and business premises; what was the total number of telephones supplied to the City in 1948 and 1949 respectively; and whether he is satisfied 121W that Newcastle-upon-Tyne and the northeast region generally is receiving its fair share of new installations.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThe number outstanding is 2,294, of which 834 are for business purposes. The numbers installed in 1948 and 1949 were 583 and 726. Additional plant will be ready for service this year and next. I am satisfied that Newcastle-upon-Tyne and the north-eastern region generally are receiving a fair share of our limited resources.