asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state if there is a long delay on telephone calls to London at present; and, if so, if there is any hope of an improvement in the near future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cross-Channel Telephone Service.
There is at present long delay on telephone calls to London owing to pressure of traffic.
The following statement shows the average delay. It may be of benefit to people who wish to arrange calls for a favourable time:—
|
Time |
Average Delay |
|
8 a.m. |
1 hour. |
|
9 a.m. |
2 hours. |
|
11 a.m.—1.30 p.m. |
3 hours. |
|
1.30 p.m.—5 p.m. |
1½ hours. |
|
6 p.m. |
1 hour. |
|
7 p.m.—10.30 p.m. |
4½ hours. |
|
11 p.m. |
1½ hours. |
|
Midnight—8 a.m. |
No delay. |
The delay on Dublin-Liverpool route is only slightly less.
The question of providing additional circuits is under examination, but it is unlikely that these can be provided for some considerable time to come.
Surely the question ought to be decided, so that additional accommodation will be provided as soon as supplies are available? I also wish to ask the Minister whether he has heard any complaints that it is much easier to get on from London to Dublin than from Dublin to London and if there is any explanation of that?
There may be more calls going in one direction than the other.
Would it be practicable to open negotiations with the Post Office authorities in Great Britain, with a view to ascertaining whether they would exceptionally be prepared to help us in the matter of supplies on that particular circuit, inasmuch as the interests involved are mutual?
It is always accepted that the interests are mutual and constant talks are going on.
Would it not be possible to obtain special supplies for this particular service exceptionally, whereas generally such supplies are subject to the granting of British Board of Trade export licences?
I do not think we would make very much headway in that direction.
Has the Minister tried? He has not.