§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the growing practice of the House of Commons' telephonists accepting calls, asking to whom caller wishes to be connected and then leaving the caller for as long as 15 minutes with no knowledge 124W as to whether or not his line has been connected; and whether he will take action to ensure that this practice ceases immediately.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterHouse of Commons telephonists, accepting incoming calls, are instructed to tell callers at regular frequent intervals if there is not an immediate reply from the number they want, or if it is engaged. I am sorry if my hon. Friend has recently had a particular difficulty. It was probably caused by a failure outside the control of the House of Commons telephonists.