Exchange Equipment (Delays in Supply)

HC Deb 28 October 1971 vol 823 cc479-80W

Mr. Golding

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will establish a committee of inquiry into the statement in the Post Office Report and Accounts 1970–71 that the average delay in the supply of exchange equip-meat from manufacturers is now 13 months compared with eight months in the previous year.

Mr. Chataway

No. The main reasons for these delays are known, and the Post Office and industry are making every effort to eliminate delays, which at 31st March, 1971, affected 45 per cent. of contracts as against 80 per cent. at 31st March, 1970.