asked the Postmaster-General how many applications for telephones to be connected to the Greenock exchange are waiting to be dealt with; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

The number of applicants for telephone service waiting to be connected to Greenock exchange is 24. An extension of the exchange equipment is almost completed, and I hope to provide telephone service for all of them within the next few weeks.

Will they require to be shifted when the new automatic exchange is brought into operation?

I cannot give a reply to that question, but I can assure the hon. Member that they will get a service before and after the alterations are made.

Has not the hon. Member experienced considerable difficulty in his Department with regard to the supply of materials, and is he aware that a much worse position obtains in one of the districts in the Birmingham area, where an hon. Member of this House has been waiting six months for a telephone?

asked the Postmaster-General what work is required to be done on the site for the automatic telephone exchange in Market Street, Greenock, before the building is begun?

There is no work to be carried out on the actual site of the new exchange before the building is begun. As my right hon. Friend informed the hon. and learned Member on 12th December, the building has barely reached the tender stage. Before the erection of the new exchange can commence, plans and quantities have to be determined and a suitable tender obtained.

When does the Minister expect to be in a position to invite tenders for this work?

I am glad to inform the hon. and learned Member that all the legal difficulties are now out of the way, and that it is a matter for the Office of Works Department in Edinburgh, who are dealing with the question of Government buildings generally.

Is the Minister not satisfied that it would be advantageous for his Department to consider the supply of materials by his own Department?

We are satisfied with our contractors and the system of dealing with these matters.