§ 57. Mr. V. Yatesasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that Mr. Edwin Lilley, Printer, 8, Newhall Hill, Birmingham 1, has been waiting for the installation of a telephone for three years; and if he will take appropriate action to avoid further delay.
§ Mr. GammansYes; I regret the delay, which has been due to shortage of lines, but we hope to instal the telephone within the next three months.
§ 58. Mr. V. Yatesasked the Postmaster-General how many applicants in Birmingham have been waiting for the installation of telephones for more than one, two, and three years, respectively; and how long it will be before the present demand has been met.
§ Mr. GammansOn the 27 exchanges concerned, 2,121 applicants have been waiting more than three years, 1,187 from two to three years, and 2,844 from one to two years. We expect to provide over 10,000 telephones in Birmingham this year, but with the demand increasing I cannot say when all applications will be met.