HC Deb 02 February 1966 vol 723 cc238-9W
112. Sir Ian Orr-Ewing

asked the Postmaster-General what are the average time taken and the average cost of installing a telephone; and what steps he has taken to reduce them.

Mr. Benn

Subject to plant availability and customers' convenience, about 56 per cent. of exchange connections and 80 per cent. of miscellaneous works are now being completed within two weeks of the order. The plant and labour needed to give service cost about £140 per connection.

Measures taken to improve the speed of provision and reduce costs include an improved telephone which makes it possible to use lighter wires; polythene insulated cables; improved fixtures for connection to customers' premises; mechanisation; reorganisation of the working force in agreement with the trade unions, and streamlined office procedure.