Mr. C. Orr-Ewingasked the Postmaster General if he is aware that certain people on the Burnt Oak housing estate have been waiting six years for a telephone; how many applications from residents of that estate are outstanding; how many telephones were supplied last year; and how many will be supplied during 1950.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsIn view of the severe restriction of capital investment it is necessary, when providing new plant, to give preference to industrial and business areas, and I much regret the resultant delay in meeting the needs of some residential areas. On this estate there are 348 outstanding applications; and 28 new lines were installed last year. Additional cables are being provided and 150 more subscribers should be connected by the end of this year.