§ Mr. Milneasked the Postmaster-General when he expects the Seaton Delaval Telephone Exchange to be in operation; what is the estimated number of subscribers to be handled from the exchange; and what other new exchanges are in prospect within the Blyth constituency.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterIn the summer of 1970; about 1,300 initially. We are planning a new exchange for Bedlington in 1972.
§ Mr. Milneasked the Postmaster-General how many telephone subscribers are awaiting installation within the Blyth constituency; and what progress is being made in this field
§ Mr. Joseph Slater114. 47 are waiting for the extension of Blyth exchange which is expected to be completed this month. Four of these and all the other people who are waiting are on new housing estates where new cables are being provided. It is expected that all will be given service by the end of August and364W no further serious waiting list problems are foreseen.
§ Mr. Milneasked the Postmaster-General what were the number of new telephones installed within the Blyth constituency area during 1960 to 1964 and during the period from 1964 to 1969 to the latest available date.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterExact figures are no longer available, but a reasonable estimate based on related figures is about 1,420 between 1st January, 1960 and 31st December, 1963, and about 2,610 between 1st January, 1964 and 30th June, 1969.