asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if Listowel telephone exchange, County Kerry, is listed for conversion to automatic working; and, if so, when this is likely to take place.

The answer to the first part of the question is yes. The Commissioners of Public Works have invited tenders for the automatic exchange building and they expect to have it completed by the end of next year. On this basis it is expected that conversion to automatic service will take place early in 1977.