asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he is aware of the long delays experienced in making telephone contact with Airways Terminal in London; that, after making contact with the Terminal, further delays take place before the caller is put into touch with the department required; that combined delays up to one hour are harmful to British prestige and good business; and if he will take immediate steps to improve the telephone services and the internal administration of Airways Terminals.

Airways Terminal is the property of the British Overseas Airways Corporation. My noble Friend is not responsible for its internal administration which is, of course, a matter for the Corporation. I understand, however, that substantial additions have recently been made to the service, and that the facilities will be further augmented when a new underground cable has been laid by the G.P.O.