HC Deb 21 July 1969 vol 787 c305W
Sir R. Russell

asked the Postmaster-General by what route telephone calls between London and Tangier are made; and why it is difficult to obtain a call from London even at a fixed time.

Mr. Stonehouse

Telephone calls between London and Tangier are routed via Paris. The Paris to Morocco telephone route is very congested, and delays of up to six hours are normal. Calls therefore cannot be booked for connection at a fixed time. However, a satellite earth station is being built in Morocco, and when it is ready next year the telephone service should improve as direct circuits between the United Kingdom and Morocco will be provided.