§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Postmaster-General what are the principal factors making for delays in the provision of telephones to would-be subscribers.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterNearly three-quarters of all telephone exchanges had no waiting list at the end of March 1966. More telephones are being provided than ever before and, subject to customers' 63W convenience, orders are being met more quickly where plant is available. But, with stable prices, and a new social attitude towards the telephone, the demand for connections is unprecedented and outstripping the provision of new plant. In consequence, the number of people waiting for connections is increasing, mainly because of shortages of exchange equipment. The industry is planning to double its output of the present type of equipment and, in addition, new types are being ordered, but it will be some years before all the plant deficiencies can be overcome.