Alexandria Exchange Area

HC Deb 16 January 1964 vol 687 cc65-6W

Mr. Steele

asked the Postmaster-General how many applications for telephones are still outstanding in the Alexandria area.

Mr. Bevins

Leaving aside orders under inquiry or being met, there were 41 applications outstanding in the Alexandria area on 31st December, 1963.

Mr. Steele

asked the Postmaster-General how many subscribers in the Alexandria exchange area share a party line; and if it is proving necessary to extend this system.

Mr. Bevins

Of the 1,080 subscribers served by the Alexandria exchange, 292 have shared telephone service. As stated in the recent White Paper on the Inland Telephone Service, it will not be possible to eliminate the waiting list by 1966 unless shared service is continued in the short term. Whether it will be necessary to extend shared service in Alexandria during this period will depend upon the nature of the local demand for telephone service.