§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Postmaster-General what individuals and categories of people are given priority in the supply of home telephones; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BevinsWhere there is a shortage of exchange equipment or lines, removing subscribers normally take precedence over newcomers. Priority is also given to telephones needed in the national or local interest, e.g., Members of Parliament, doctors, nurses and Ministers of60W Religion, sick or disabled people and those dependent on a home telephone for their livelihood. It is not practicable to cover all the circumstances which arise where shortages exist, and discretion is therefore left to the Telephone Managers subject to general guidance to ensure that the resources of the Post Office are used in the public interest. In the case of 85 per cent. of telephone orders the question of priority does not arise because they can be provided without much delay. My aim is to increase this figure to 100 per cent.