HC Deb 18 March 1968 vol 761 cc40-1W
Mr. Onslow

asked the Postmaster-General how many public telephone boxes are at present available in the Byfleet telephone exchange area; how many of these have been reported as unserviceable during the past three months, and for what reason; and how long on average they have remained unserviceable.

Mr. Joseph Slater

Twenty-seven boxes are available; all are serviceable. In the last three months, 41 faults of various kinds were rectified in 25 of the boxes. However, the box was totally unusable on only eight occasions and on many others serviceability was either unimpaired or only slightly impaired. With very few exceptions the faults were cleared the same or the following day.

Mr. Onslow

asked the Postmaster-General what consideration he has given to providing additional public telephone boxes in the Byfleet telephone exchange area, as a temporary measure, until sufficient lines are available to clear the present waiting list of private subscribers.

Mr. Joseph Slater

I am sorry about the inconvenience to those waiting for telephones, but as there are 27 boxes in the area, my right hon. Friend does not consider that temporary arrangements would be appropriate.