asked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many applications for the installation of telephones in Sunderland are on his waiting list; and at what rate he expects to reduce this list.

One hundred and twenty-two applications were outstanding on the 31st December, 1951, and 276 were under investigation or in course of being met. There is a steady new demand for telephone service, and although new cables should be brought into service in this area next year, my noble Friend cannot say when supply will overtake demand.