§ Mr. F. Noel-Bakerasked the Postmaster-General how many operators on the continental telephone exchange are familiar with the Greek script and able to look up numbers in Greek telephone directories; and what steps he is taking to increase the number, in view of the inconvenience caused to callers wishing to telephone to Greece.
§ Mr. BevinsOf 12 operators on the continental telephone exchange who speak Greek, four are familiar with the Greek script and can look up numbers in Greek telephone directories. I understand that these numbers are adequate. French is the official working language between Britain and Greece, and any of the 600 French-speaking operators at the Continental Exchange can make inquiries of the Athens Exchange, if need be. If the wanted telephone number is not known, a call may be booked to the name and address.
If the hon. Gentleman has any particular difficulty in mind and will let me have details, I will gladly make inquiries.