§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Postmaster-General what proposals he has for improving the supply of telephone exchange equipment; and whether he will consider taking steps to set up Government factories to manufacture such equipment in development areas where there is unemployment.
§ Mr. Edward ShortFollowing discussions with the Post Office the telecommunications industry took exceptional steps to increase output, including the expansion and acquisition of factories in certain Development Areas. Supply is now increasing and, when fully effective, the new arrangements should meet all foreseeable needs. In the build-up period, however, there are some serious delays in delivery which are causing me a great deal of concern and I am currently discussing them with the industry. There are at present no proposals to augment the manufacturing capacity of the industry by Government factories.