Mr. Lucasasked the Postmaster-General how many applications for telephones in Brentford and Chiswick were still outstanding at the latest convenient date; how many of these will be met during the year 1957; and when it is expected that the majority of the existing applications will be disposed of.
§ Mr. MarplesTwo hundred and twenty applications were outstanding at the end of December, 1956; in addition, there were 165 in course of being met or under inquiry. There is a steady new demand, and I expect that about 750 telephones will be provided this year. Two-thirds of the applications at present outstanding are held up because new cables are needed, and these cannot unfortunately be provided until next year.