asked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many applications for the installation of telephones in the West Riding of Yorkshire were still outstanding at the latest convenient date; and at what rate he expects to reduce this figure.

Excluding those under inquiry or in course of being met, there were 19,214 applications outstanding on 31st March, 1952. There is a steady fresh demand for telephone service, but about 18,000 lines are expected to be connected during the next 12 months.