§ Mr. Bishopasked the Postmaster-General how many applicants are awaiting telephone installations in the borough of Newark and in the rural districts of Newark and Southwell; and what steps are being taken to reduce the waiting list and to avoid line-sharing.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterAt 31st December, 1967, there were 9,056 connections on the 17 exchanges serving these areas, and 205 orders outstanding. 96 of these have now been connected; the remaining 109 cannot be served until more equipment is 33W provided at the exchanges. We hope to complete this this year, mostly during the summer and autumn.
Our aim is to offer unshared lines to those who prefer them, but this will take time. About 1,200 customers are sharing in Newark and Southwell, and half of these could not otherwise have been given service.