HC Deb 11 July 1972 vol 840 cc312-3W
Mr. Norman Lamont

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will state the arrangements that are being made for the changeover to the automatic telephone switchboard.

Mr. R. Carr

The changeover to the new automatic telephone switchboard will take place on the weekend of Saturday, 12th August, and Sunday, 13th August. Owing to the amount of engineering work involved, it will be necessary to close the Palace of Westminster to the public on the Saturday. There will be no telephone service, except for fire and emergency calls, between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturday, 12th August. The changeover is expected to be completed and ready for normal operating from Monday, 14th August, onwards.

Mr. Norman Lamont

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will arrange for an exhibition to be held of the new telephone equipment for Members of Parliament.

Mr. R. Carr

Yes. An exhibition will be held in the Upper Waiting Hall from 24th July. The exhibition will remain on site until the first week that Parliament reassembles in the autumn, and will be staffed by the Post Office on all sitting days.