asked the Postmaster-General when it is intended that Goole telephone exchange will become automatic; and what effect this will have on the number of staff employed.

Mr. Slater:

We plan to open the new automatic exchange, with STD, in the spring of 1968; no operators will then be required at Goole, but we foresee no difficulty in arranging for the existing staff to be absorbed at other exchanges in the region.

Is there any way in which this bigger exchange can be converted before 1968, which seems rather a long time ahead?

Mr. Slater:

There is a heavy programme of similar work in that Post Office region much of which is necessary to provide customers with a telephone service. This job can be expedited only at the expense of other work of a more pressing character.