§ 68. Mr. John Hallasked the Postmaster-General what special circumstances cause the Oxford telephone area to have the highest percentage of total subscribers on the waiting list; when he expects that percentage to fall to the national average; what proportion of the requests for connection in that area are put in hand as soon as they are received; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss PikeThe figures reflect the rapid industrial and other development in the Oxford Area. We are doing all we can, but further progress depends on future demand and on the resources available. Extensive additions to plant have been and are being made, and 60 men are on loan to Oxford from other areas because of difficulty in local recruitment.
Over 5,300 telephones have been fitted in the past twelve months, and the waiting list percentage has been decreased from 4.7 per cent. to 3.5 per cent. in the same period. Connection of about 80 per cent. of the applications is put in hand immediately on receipt.