§ Sir T. Beamishasked the Postmaster-General (1) what is the value of the equipment on order for the London switchboard of the International Telex Exchange; why installation dates are in some cases two years behind schedule; and what steps he is taking to make improvements;
(2) which contractors are behind with their delivery dates for equipment for the London switchboard of the International Telex Exchange; by how much; what is the nature and the value of the orders concerned; and what explanations have been given for late delivery.
§ Mr. StonehouseWe estimate that the cost of the equipment will be £112,000.
The contract for the International Telex Exchange switchboard in London will provide an additional 48 operating positions. The contractor has had manufacturing difficulties and the project is now approximately five months behind schedule. The Post Office is attempting to secure an early completion date by deferring some other projects placed with the same contractor, thus permitting full effort to be devoted to the international telex switchboard.
It is contrary to established practice to give details of individual contracts.
§ Sir T. Beamishasked the Postmaster-General how many staff are employed on the London switchboard of the International Telex Exchange; how many more staff are required; what is the reason for the present shortfall; and what steps he is taking to make this good.
§ Mr. Stonehouse372 operators. Our immediate need is 456 and 528 later in 115W the year as more switchboards are brought into use.
The present shortfall has arisen from our difficulty in recruiting staff for round the clock duties in London, and, the need to avoid over-depleting other overseas telegraph units in London. We are giving priority to the transfer of operators to the Telex exchange.
§ Sir T. Beamishasked the Postmaster-General how many new circuits are needed to enable the London switchboard of the International Telex Exchange to meet the present and anticipated demands on it; and when these will be in operation.
§ Mr. StonehouseWe need 130 more circuits to meet present demands. To meet growth over the next 12 months we estimate we shall need a further 90 circuits. These additional circuits will be progressively available from next month. Plant should be available in this country for most of the circuits by the end of this year and for all of them in 12 months' time. But because there is a world-wide shortage of telex equipment, overseas countries may not have sufficient equipment at their exchanges to cope with our increased circuits.