asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the general dissatisfaction over the Dial 100 service in the Liverpool area; and what steps he is taking to improve the situation.

I agree with my hon. Friend that at times during 1963, the operator service at Liverpool was unsatisfactory, but there has been a big improvement during the last three months, and this, I think, is generally recognised. If my hon. Friend has any particular difficulty in mind, I will gladly look into it.

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Will he bear in mind that, although he is to be congratulated on the speed of the automation of the telephone service, the more that process proceeds the more important the remaining operator services become? Will he give his personal attention to this matter?

Yes, most certainly.