§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that, due to his policy of refusing to increase telephone services, valuable export trade is being lost; and whether he will give consideration to the way in which this policy is adversely affecting the export trade and the business of Centransco Overseas Containers Limited, Abbey Road, Stratford, London, E.15; when he received representations from that company; what reply he has sent; and whether he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. StonehouseThere is no policy of restricting expansion of the telephone service. The vast majority of orders particularly from business customers are met as required, but there are localised shortages. The export trade is given special priority.
Gentransco Overseas Containers Limited applied on 24th January, 1969, for seven exchange lines and a private automatic exchange in premises in course of erection. Due to shortages of lines and equipment we were able to supply only three exchange lines and a manual switchboard by the date required (19th April 1969). We have since provided four additional lines with restricted service. Full service will be given on these lines shortly. The automatic switchboard is now available and will be installed in place of the existing manual board by September.
The company wrote to me on the 5th June and I shall be replying to them on similar lines.