HC Deb 23 November 1966 vol 736 cc316-7W
Mr. Will Owen

asked the Postmaster-General how many citizens in the Ashington and Morpeth area are on the waiting list for telephone services; how long they have been waiting; and what is now the average waiting period.

Mr. Joseph Slater

Leaving aside orders under inquiry or being met, there are no applicants waiting for telephone service at Ashington. At 31st October, 1966, there were 41 applicants at Morpeth. The exchange is being extended, and all those now waiting should be connected by 25th November. No applicant has waited longer than 5 months. The average period has been two months.

Mr. Blackburn

asked the Postmaster-General how many applicants for telephones are on the waiting list in Stalybridge, Hyde, Dukinfield, Longdendale and Tintwistle, respectively.

Mr. Joseph Slater

These districts do not all coincide with telephone exchange boundaries. The estimated figures at 31st October, 1966, were:—

District Applications on waiting list
Stalybridge 2
Hyde 257
Dukinfield 88
Longdendale 1
Tintwistle 8

Equipment extensions planned for the Hyde and Asbton exchanges should enable waiting applicants in Hyde and Dukin-field to be given service in the spring and early summer, 1967, respectively.