asked the Postmaster-General how many subscriber telephone lines were installed in the last 12 months; and how this compares with the previous year.

In the 12 months ended 31st January, more than 522,000 new lines were provided. This is 25 per cent. more than in the previous 12 months, and is the highest total ever achieved in one year.

That Answer will be received with great satisfaction everywhere. Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that, because of rising standards throughout the country during the past 10 years, many goods and services previously looked upon as luxuries, among them telephones, are now necessities and within the reach of very many people? Will he please keep up the good work?

I agree with my hon. Friend, and I share particularly his belief that the younger generation, as they come to maturity, will more and more require the telephone as a matter of course.