§ Sir Knox Cunninghamasked the Postmaster-General if he will state the number of telephone subscribers during each of the past five years in the Carrickfergus area of County Antrim, and the percentage increase or decrease for each year as compared with the preceding one; and if he will estimate the likely increase in subscribers in this area during the period ending in 1970.
§ Mr. BevinsThe numbers of telephone subscribers on Carrickfergus exchange during each of the past five years were as follows:
- At 31st March, 1959—461.
- At 31st March, 1960—491, an increase of 6.5 per cent.
- At 31st March, 1961—515, an increase of 4.9 per cent.
- At 31st March, 1962—557, an increase of 8.2 per cent.
- At 31st March, 1963—583, an increase of 4.7 per cent.
- At 31st March, 1964—643, an increase of 10.3 per cent.
I estimate that by 1970 the number of subscribers will be about 1,000.