§ Mr. Martenasked the Postmaster-General (1) what proposals he has for reducing the number of those awaiting telephone connections in the Oxford area;
(2) why the proportion of applicants awaiting telephone connections in the Oxford area is one of the highest in the country; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BennThe waiting list for telephones in the Oxford telephone area has been primarily caused by a very high and rapid growth in demand, particularly on new housing estates. Over 8,500 telephones were supplied in the area during the year ending 30th September, 1964, compared with 6,000 in the previous twelve months. Additional plant and exchange equipment are being provided and the majority of the outstanding applications will be met by the middle of next year.