HC Deb 24 October 1967 vol 751 cc460-1W
Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Postmaster-General (1) why he required a private subscriber in West Suffolk to share her existing telephone line with a police employee against her wishes and in spite of the fact that she uses it for highly confidential matters; and how long he expects it to be before her existing private line is restored;

(2) how many West Suffolk telephone subscribers with private lines have been required against their will to give up those private lines in favour of party lines over the last 12 months, or closest approximate period.

Mr. Edward Short

All residential subscribers have, since 1948, accepted an obligation to share if required, and no separate record is kept of those who subsequently object. The subscriber in question was asked to share because of a shortage of line plant, and the pressing needs of a waiting applicant. We hope to restore her exclusive line in about six months.