§ Mr. Mitchisonasked the Assistant Postmaster General which telephone exchanges in the county of Northamptonshire are already working to full capacity; and what steps he proposes to take, and when, to enlarge exchange facilities so as to meet the needs of applicants.
§ Mr. GammansSix of the 78 exchanges in the county (Bainton, Blakesley, Blisworth, Earls Barton, Walgrave St. Peter and Wollaston) are working to full capacity and seven others are nearly full. At 10 of these 13 exchanges new equipment will be provided during the next 411W 15 months, and at the other three in 1955 and 1956.
§ Mr. Mitchisonasked the Assistant Postmaster General how many applications for telephone services were outstanding in various parts of Northamptonshire about a year ago; how many of such applications have been met; how many applications are now outstanding; and within what time he proposes to meet them.
§ Mr. Gammans4,008 applications were outstanding a year ago; 2,500 have been met since then, this number including new and outstanding applications. The number outstanding is now 2,926. The level of new demand remains high, and I regret that I cannot say when all outstanding applications will be met.
§ Mr. Mitchisonasked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the provision of telephone facilities in Northamptonshire falls short of the needs of applicants; and whether he will make a statement as to progress and prospects.
§ Mr. GammansAs indicated in my replies to the other Questions by the hon. and learned Member, the situation in the county is appreciably better than it was a year ago. I look forward to a continued improvement.