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These are extracts from the minutes from the
British Telephone Technical Development Committee,
Subscribers Apparatus Development Sub-Committee meetings which were held every 3
months. These were run by the GPO and held on their premises. The
GPO contractors also attended these meetings. The minutes started around
1942 and finished in December 1967 due to the re-organisation of the Post
Office.
The minutes on this page show the development of the Telephone No. 706 which
was latterly running alongside that of the 700 type set.
All the following minutes refer to the "700 Type Telephone" - but
in reality it is the Telephone 706.
11th July 1956
The Chairman said that the Department had already gone out for contracts for next
year's purchase of telephones and none of the new 700 type was included: unless
rapid response was made within the next few months, we would be in no better position next
year. The Manufacturers had already been informed of the criticism of the
proposed case and had been asked to submit new designs; one had already been received. He hoped that it would be possible for the P.O. to decide requirements by the end of the six months the Manufacturers had been given for the
submission of designs and to get a trial started. It might just be possible for manufacturers
to get tooled up for production next summer, but time would be tight and there would need
to be the closest collaboration on both sides. The P.O. would aim to have agreed drawings and specification available by next
June-July. In reply to Mr. Lewis (Siemens Brothers - S.B.), he said he was unable to say how soon after the target
date for submissions of designs the P.O. would be able to issue a SCP, and if the Manufacturers thought it possible
to get into production if the SCP were issued by Christmas, Mr. Paren (T.A.C.) replied that if the design were settled by
then, production in 1957/58 could be considered. Mr. Redington (S Branch) said that
while the quantities to be ordered would need to be settled early in the year, the
decision as to the type (i.e. 332 or 700) might be deferred until about June.
In conclusion the Chairman said that from the P.O. point of view, if the model chosen were based on the 700 type telephone and entailed the minimum element of risk, the P.O. would be prepared to order on sample. He added that the P.O.
was not necessarily wedded to the SCP 134 shape handset, provided that the distances between the microphone and receiver were
unchanged. As many models as possible were required (net necessarily based on the 700 type)
so that an exhibition could be staged to enable the Directorate to choose a design.
10th October 1956
Mr. Warren (T.A.C.) said the Manufacturers had responded to the invitation to submit designs of new
telephones within the target date and the position was as follows:- Ericsson
Telephone Company (E.T.) and G.E.C. had submitted a joint design
(SCP 141), Siemens Brothers (S.B.) had offered an Addendum to SCP 132, A.T.M. information had been submitted to S Branch with the proposal that it should be issued as an Informative
SCP; Phoenix Telephone Company had also supplied a wooden model. Samples
or wood models had been sent to the P.O. for the telephones covered by SCP 141
and SCP 132. E.T. and G.E.C. individually would also submit alternative designs, samples of which were available. Informative SCP's would be issued to cover those designs not already the subject of SCP's.
The Chairman thanked the Manufacturers, for the industry and zeal that had gone into their response to the invitation, the P.O.
did not intend to be too inflexible on the question of the target date, which was due to expire on 11th October, but he
hoped to be able to say that the BTTDC meeting on 25th October that all
available information had been received, The Manufacturers would thus have a few extra days in which
to make good any belated offers.
He added that the Chairman of BTTDC hoped to be able to prepare engineering
comments on the individual designs for presentation to the Administration and to have a decision from them by mid-November. He hoped that in any case a decision
would have been taken by the next SSC meeting, although if it were given earlier, the P.O. would not delay in advising the Manufacturers
before the meeting. Mr. Combridge (S Branch) pointed out that the wooden models
did not enable the reliability of the mechanism to be assessed, working models
were needed before the P.O. could judge relative merits with confidence. The Chairman
agreed, but said sometime was allowed for detailed engineering work as the aim was to order next summer. He
commented that some of the designs had a tray while others had not; some wore capable of incorporating
press-button "switchery" whereas others catered only for minimum facilities. It was essential that any choice
should be as between like and like, and cost would he a basic factor in comparisons. He
asked that the Manufacturers provide an indication of the cost differential between the different models and between the alternative facilities
provided. He emphasised that detailed costing was not what he was asking for. He said
that this information would be required in about two weeks.
Mr. Paren (T.A.C.) said he would represent the P.O.'s requirements to the
T.A.C. and would bear the objective in mind the time limit would make it a difficult
assignment. He asked if the cost studies were to be made irrespective of the colour of the material
used. Mr. Bendall (Phoenix) commented that the P.O. had not yet indicated whether materials other than Diakon were acceptable. The Chairman
said the P.O. could not at this stage tie the Manufacturers to the use of any
particular material, but they should indicate where appropriate what material, they
intended to uses The cost estimate should be based on black telephones.
Mr. Combridge (S Branch) said that in order to make the issue clear, the price
should be in respect of a complete telephone, i.e. a telephone complete with
transmitter, dial, receiver and cords. The Chairman agreed and said the P.O. was thinking in terms of
the 700 type telephone circuit with a redesigned case. The maximum requirement
would be a telephone fitted with key No. 304. (or equivalent facility) and the minimum requirement a telephone without a key but capable of
taking a Key No. 302 (also a thermistor and rectifier for shared service where
required) as an optional fitting.
Mr. Paren (T.A.C.) inquired the position regarding the stipulation that the shape of the earpiece,
mouthpiece, distances and angles should not be altered. Mr. Combridge (S Branch) replied that this stipulation stood, as any departure from the conditions of the 700 type circuit
would mean further trials.
The Chairman concluded the discussion by saying that it was appreciated that
the Manufacturers had been set a difficult task to complete in a short time, but
they would appreciate that the matter was an important one for all concerned,
For its part, the P.O. aimed to get a decision from the Administration at an
early date, which would be a big step forward.
9th January 1957
The Chairman said the Manufacturers had done an excellent job in producing samples at very short notice:-
the designs were covered by various informative SCP's. A technical appreciation and cost appraisal had been, given the Administration
by the Engineer-in-Chief and it was now a question of which design the
Administration might wish to accept from the appearance point of view, The importance of an early decision had been
emphasised and it was still hoped that it might be possible to place substantial
orders for the new design by about July 1957. As soon as this decision was made he would call a special meeting to discuss the matter,
Replying to Mr. Paren (T.A.C.) , Mr. Redington (S Branch) said that
deferred items in the 1956/1957 ordering period might well be required in the new design. So far as coloured telephones were
concerned, it was difficult to say whether or not orders would be placed. Mr. Lewis
(S.B.) pointed out the increased cost of producing coloured telephones even as against
the present coloured instruments, Mr. Redington (S Branch) replied that he thought new design coloured telephones unlikely to be ordered before present purchases were used up.
Replying to Mr. Prince (E.T.), the Chairman said that when the new design was chosen, the P.O.
would probably be prepared to order in quantity without conducting a field trial apart from that already in progress. He added that the 700 type telephone appeared satisfactory on long lines but there was some opinion that it suffered from excessive side-tone on short
lines. It was possible that some form of padding would have to be considered. He invited ideas from the Manufacturers as to means of overcoming the difficulty.
Mr. Warren (M.S.S.C.) said G.E.C. had been asked for acceptance drawings for
the Handset No.1, but were unaware that the design had been approved. Mr. Combridge (S Branch) replied that the drawings had been called for because delivery of
5000 handsets had been taken. Mr. Dewar said G.E.C. would like to know whether P.O. approval of the handset was implied. The Chairman
said that although a large, order had been delivered, this did not mean that the design
would necessarily be finalised in its present form. The physical design might have to be changed for reasons of appearance, but the P.O. would in any case like to have the drawings
for record purposes. G.E.C. agreed to put preparation of the acceptance drawings
in hand.
10th July 1957
Mr. Combridge (S Branch) said that a decision on the new telephone had
been taken since the last meeting and SCP 153 (Dev) had been issued. There had
been correspondence with the Manufacturers and the P.O. had been advised that morning that the Manufacturers 'had' agreed to the reissue of the
SCP in two parts. Part I would relate to a conventional wiring design, allocated to E.T, and
Part II to a printed circuit design, allocated to Siemens Edison Swan (S.E.S.). The P.O. had been assured of
full co-operation between the two firms to ensure full standardisation.
Mr. Lewis (S.E.S.) confirmed that S.E.S. and E.T. were already working in full
collaboration. It was stated that the liaison officers would be as
follows:-
E.T. - Mr. Prince
S.E.S. - Mr. Brown
P.O. - Mr. Spencer.
It was agreed that the first task of the L.O.'s would be to get together and redraft the
SCP suitably. Mr. Prince (E.T.) should take the initiative in calling a meeting between L.O.'s.
9th October 1957
SCP 153 (dev) - "New design table telephone" issued.
As from this point the above description was used.
Mr. Troke apologised for the omission of one Manufacturer (S.E.S.) and their Liaison
Officer (Mr. Brown) from the marginal notes in the Progress bulletin and stated
that the design of the internal arrangements was progressing satisfactorily. Mr.
Lewis (S.E.S.) asked whether the sample wooden model had yet been approved
as any major alteration to the external design could affect the space available or the mechanism. Mr. Enshaw (Plessey) pointed out that it would be impossible to tool up for the production of the cases
until the final design was approval. Mr. Troke thought that there would be only minor external alterations to the design, if there
were any at all, and they would he unlikely to affect the internal space available for the
mechanism.
8th January 1958
The Chairman said that the approval of the Council of Industrial Design to the shape of the new telephone had
been given, together with their proposals as to the colour range. One model precisely to the new shape was available,
out it was necessary to have other coloured models of this shape before submission to the D.G., particularly as shape and colour were so closely tied, especially as regards
duo-tones. Mr. Harding (S Branch) added that the colour of the cord was
still outstanding and E.T. had agreed to put a minimum range to the C.O.I.D. for approval. Replying to an inquiry as to who supplied the cords, the
Chairman said that for production this was the P.O.'s responsibility, but E.T. had agreed to make up models to show their colour. New cords were being developed separately by the P.O.
Referring to Part 1, Mr. Combridge (S Branch) reported that the second
internal prototype promised for December was received in the middle of that month. Concerning Part 2, he said the induction coil had boon approved, but the P.O. was
waiting an internal model including it. Mr. Warren (M.S.S.C.) said this would be available shortly. Mr. Prince (E.T.) commented that there was every possibility of being able to fit this induction coil to Part 1. Mr. Combridge (S Branch) replied that, in that case the model already in the P.O.'s possession would not be completely
up-to-date and asked for another to be provided. Mr. Prince (E.T.) undertook to provide a suitable partial model.
The Chairman referred to correspondence between the Director of Contracts and Mr.
Paren (T.A.C.) concerning the switching of orders. The T. A.C. had given a
six-point programme for the new telephone and had suggested that if this programme
could be maintained, orders for 1959/60 could be switched to the new telephone. The P.O. was doing its best to get approval of the appearance and colours and it was
hoped that this would be forthcoming by about the end of the month. The question of the internal arrangement would remain as a purely
an engineering Department matter. Mr. Warren (M.S.S.C.) said that the Manufacturers were working to a very tight date for the completion of the drawings particularly as both manufacturing
and P.O. acceptance drawings had to be prepared. The Manufacturers would regard the 'development
complete' date as haying been met when P.O. approval of the base, case and handle had been given. Mr. Lewis (S.E.S.) added that twelve months would be required or tooling
and the Manufacturers were doing their utmost to meet the date's set.
The Chairman said that the Manufacturers had been advised of complaints of
loudness on short lines arising from the field trials and there had been some consideration of switching resistors in and out as necessary. The P.O.
had, however, seen trying to devise an automatic regulator and a suitable design
had now been worked out. The design was very simple, promising and seemed reliable; it comprised one rectifier with several plates, one simple ballast lamp, two resistors and a change
to the induction coil which amounted to bringing out an additional point. The device was not susceptible to high voltage surges as
it was guarded by low impedance shunts. Tests at Dollis Mill had seen most encouraging: the device put in all the loss required on short lines with only a small
reduction in efficiency (of the order of 0.2db) on 1000 ohm lines. If any component in the regulator failed the
telephone would continue to work, although it would be loud on short lines. A
field trial of 200 instruments would be run at Canterbury. The price was expected
to be about 3/- per instrument and it was highly probable that the P.O. would make the regulator standard for all instruments: it was almost certain that it would be made standard
for use on PBX's, particularly as it solved most of the PBX problems. Mr. Williams
(R Branch) added that the regulator reduced side-tone by about 10 db; with it the new
telephone was probably the best in the world. Mr. Lewis (S.E.S.) and Mr. Prince (E.T.) confirmed that they had been advised to make provision for the regulator and were
working on the basis of a plug-in unit. Discussion followed on the pros and cons of
plug-in, versus soldered in units and it was agreed that the matter should be resolved
between the L.O.s, due regard being paid to the relative economics. Mr.
Williams commented that plug-in units would be used for the Canterbury field trial as this was
to be an observed trial and regulator units would be tested each month.
The Chairman asked which Manufacturers would be interested in manufacturing Part
1 and which Part 2, and received the following replies:-
A.T.E.: More interested in the conventional wiring version as it was thought to be possibly cheaper
and more flexible - for example for the provision of plan numbers, etc.
G.E.C.: At present reference was for Part 1, but if costs were equal End in view of
their radio experience, Part 2.
Phoenix: Only interested in making whatever telephone the P.O. wanted, but unwilling to tool up for both versions. Insufficient information at present to decide any
preference.
Plessey: Bearing in mind the P.0. view that a printed circuit was desirable, preference for Part 2.
S.T.C.: Not concerned with manufacture of telephone instruments, therefore, no
reference.
T.M.C.: Only want to make one type of telephone but think Part 2 would show
production advantages.
9th April 1958
Part 1:
Mr. Combridge (S Branch) said that the Manufacturers had been informed on the 5th March that the P.M.G.'s approval of the external
looks of the new telephone had been given. He exhibited a model and
distributed photographs for the Manufacturers' information. Replying to an inquiry from Mr. Bendall (Phoenix), the Chairman said that the moulding material for the new telephone
had not yet been decided; the matter was being followed up with the respective suppliers.
Mr. Harding (S Branch) commented that the Manufacturers were collaborating on a modification to the bracket
which would make both versions interchangeable.
Part II:
Mr. Harding (S Branch) reported that good progress was being made and that development was at an advanced stage.
Mr. Warren (M.S.S.C.) said that it had not been possible to achieve the original target dates for 'development complete' by December 1957 and 'drawings complete' by March 1958. Some points were still outstanding (e.g. modifications to cheapen the bell No.
49 mechanism) and the Manufacturers would have to consider when the development could be regarded as completed. The T.A.C. would then discuss production dates. After discussion, target dates were agreed of the 9th July for the circulation by E.T. and
S.E.S. of their manufacturing drawings to the other Manufacturers and the 8th October for completion of the Post Office acceptance drawings. Mr.
Warren (M.S.S.C.) agreed to refer to the T.A.C. the question of when supplies could commence on the
basis of these dates. The Chairman said that the P.O. would do all it could to help the development along and would endeavour to give approval to the components as they were submitted.
Mr. Warren (M.S.S.C.) said that the technical cost comparison of the E.T. and S.E.S. design of
bell would be submitted to the Department.
Mr. Combridge (S Branch) sounded a warning that the position as regards advance publicity for the new telephone was unchanged from that recorded in Minute
831.
9th July 1958
Mr. Harding (S Branch) said that the P.O. had decided on dry-mix Diakon as the moulding material. As this was a new technique there might be some initial difficulties, in which case it might be useful to use I.C.I. as moulding consultants.
Mr. Bendall (Phoenix) commented that Phoenix had already availed themselves of
I.C.I.'s consultant services. One fault they had experienced was colour
dispersion, particularly with green, in which the blue dye tended to separate. The real problem would be in satisfying P.O.
colour matching requirements. He suggested that the problem be left with the Manufacturers for the present. Mr. Rippon (T.M.C.) confirmed that T.M.C. also had doubts on the reliability of dry-mix
Diakon.
Mr. Harding (S Branch) enquired if the Manufacturers agreed that any difficulty with colour matching could be
minimised by allocation of orders to avoid small batches. Mr. Lewis (S.E.S.) replied that this matter would be arranged by the Manufacturers.
The Chairman asked whether the Manufacturers were satisfied with the progress
of development of the new telephone in relation to the proposed production programme. In reply, Mr.
Warren (M.S.S.C.) said that although some points, particularly concerning the regulator and the ringer were
still outstanding with the P.O., the Manufacturers considered that the target dates set at the previous meeting had been substantially met and no serious
hold-up was expected. Mr. Prince (E.T.) said E.T. would submit a sample telephone the following week. Mr.
Lewis (S.E.S.) reported that S.E.S. had already submitted a complete telephone but now understood that there was a suggestion that the ringer should be mounted on the base instead of on the printed wiring board.
Mr. Atherton reported that the capacitor was satisfactory.
Mr. Combridge (S Branch) commented that the technical cost appraisal of the two new ringers
had been studied and although the cost of each ringer was the same, the P.O. felt that one version was much to be preferred to
the other. Mr. Lewis (S.E.S.) said that while one version could be adopted without trouble, the other would entail
re-tooling.
Mr. Warren (M.S.S.C.) asked if the Department could give decisions on the outstanding points within a week or so. Mr. Combridge (S Branch) mentioned that a decision on the regulator would be given as soon as possible; a few technical considerations were outstanding, including that of an alternative source of supply. In reply to Mr. Warren (M.S.S.C.), the P.O. considered that although it would be optimistic to anticipate resolving the outstanding points on the regulator and ringer within a week, a fortnight
would probably suffice. The Manufacturers agreed that this would be satisfactory.
8th October 1958
In answer to the Chairman's hope that nothing had occurred to delay dates, Mr.
Lewis (S.E.S.) mentioned that the block terminal, a non-agreement item, might
hold, things up but Mr. Combridge (S Branch) said it was well advanced.
Mr. Harding (S Branch) thanked E.T. for their co-operation in making working
telephones available in the full range of colours for the S.T.D. opening. Mr. Prince (E.T.) mentioned that the telephones which would be supplied very soon were not all in accordance with the latest revised colour standards, but the differences were very slight.
Mr Combridge (S Branch) promised an early decision on the shape and colour of the dial dummies,
and on the shape of the figure 1 and letter Q on the outer number ring.
Mr. Warren (M.S.S.C.) mentioned that E.T. were waiting for the P.O. Drawings
for the tag for the dial connexion.
In reply to Mr. Warren's question about the regulator the Chairman expected that when a telephone was
delivered there would be a regulator in it.
Mr. Warren (M.S.S.C.) said that all but about half a dozen or so of the manufacturing drawings
had been issued, and the manufacturers were proceeding with their production arrangements on
the information. Based on this the T.A.C. would be communicating with the Post Office regarding production dates. He also reported that the target date for the P.O. acceptance drawings had been
revised and drafts of these drawings would be sent to the Post Office during January.
Mr. Combridge (S Branch) said that final standard's for colour had now been distributed
and I Branch were to prepare sets of coloured mouldings. It was proposed that one set of coloured mouldings
should be supplied to each manufacturer and one set to each moulder. The manufacturers agreed to this basis of provision. (Manufacturers who were also moulders
would receive two sets.)
Mr. Bendall (Phoenix) inquired whether there was to be a top and bottom limit for the colour. Mr. Weston undertook to investigate
and to write to Mr. Warren (M.S.S.C.) on the subject.
7th January 1959
Mr. Harding (S Branch) explained that agreement on the outer number ring
had been delayed by C.O.I.D.'s criticisms of the models submitted with the new dials and he
suggested, if E.T. agreed, that they should circulate information on their number rings so that screens
could be made. Mr. Prince (E.T.), had a photograph with a Q which he undertook to circulate. Mr. Combridge (S Branch) said that serif's were not required for the I but a good serif was
required for the 1; the ET photograph was acceptable as an interim measure. Mr. Lewis (S.E.S.) said that information would be necessary by the end of January to avoid delay.
Mr. Harding (S Branch) said that drawings of the modified terminal block
had been sent in January, and agreement had been given for the acceptance as a temporary measure of the existing
BT 20/4 in elephant grey, polystyrene, Diakon or alkyd. Mr. Prince (E.T.) mentioned that Dials
12FA were being fitted on the initial supplies and was informed by Mr. Harding (S Branch) that it was unlikely that Dials 12LA would be fitted.
Mr. Balcombe (S Branch) undertook to investigate the question of the hardness of the material for the
rubber feet.
Mr. Combridge (S Branch) said that he would look into the availability of the smaller size of paste-in diagram.
The Chairman said that the provision of cords had now been complicated by the possibility that some extensible cords might be required. The position was that orders were being placed for about
40% of our requirements to be met with the present textile cord and a case was being put forward to the P.M.G. that extensible cords
should be provided for coloured telephones. Approval had been obtained from the Council of Industrial Design on the grebe
grey colour of the extensible cord.
Mr. Atherton mentioned that the line cord might also be P.V.C.
Mr. Warren (M.S.S.C.) said that the position regarding manufacturing drawings was reasonably satisfactory. Acceptance drawings might be a little late, but
some would be available in January. Mr. Harding (S Branch) stressed the importance of early receipt of the drawings.
8th April 1959
Mr.
Harding (S Branch) stated that the Post Office had decided that the B.T.s and extensible cords
should be in colour to match the telephone handsets. He was extremely worried that no
acceptance drawings were available.
Mr. Warren (M.S.S.C.) replied that the manufacturers had been working very hard
and most of the drawings were now being circulated. A special meeting of the Manufacturers
detail panel was being held to discuss them. It was a difficult job and there was
a number of points to be cleared up. He hoped the circulation of the drawings would be completed by the middle of April and that a meeting would be held within
a fortnight.
Mr. Balcombe (S Branch) suggested that as telephones would initially be accepted from only one contractor, E.T., then their drawings should be used temporarily as acceptance drawings and this was agreed.
Mr. Prince (E.T.) mentioned that the hand microphones and regulator drawings had been sent to the Post Office three months ago and Mr.
Harding (S Branch) undertook to look into the matter.
The chairman said that the decision to provide extensible cords in matching colours had
been taken rather late in the development and special action had been necessary to provide supplies of cords of one variety or another.
Mr. Redington (S Branch) reported that orders had been placed for the new plastic cords
which were hoped to be delivered in about six weeks time. Textile grebe grey cords were being delivered, and
these would be available for the early production if the matching PVC cords were not ready.
Mr. Bendall (Phoenix) raised the question of the colour matching of the cords,
grommets and telephones. In reply, Mr. Balcombe (S Branch) said that the colour of these items would be required to match that of standard items held by the
Post Office. Cords would be matched against cords, grommets against grommets and telephones against telephones.
Mr. Warren (M.S.S.C.) said that the manufacturers were concerned about the problem of matching the paint on the outer number ring with the colour
of the body of the telephone.
Mr. Carter (Chair) said that he would take note of the problem and suggested that it might
be simplified if the manufacturers used paint supplied by one firm able to produce the same pigments in both paint and plastic body.
8th July 1959
Mr. Harding (S Branch) reported that the formulation of the black
pigment had originally been expensive and a revised cheaper formulation produced. However this had been found to
be unsatisfactory as a long term solution since when a telephone instrument was exposed to
strong sunlight it became translucent. The development contractor had produced a third formulation but I.C.I. were unable to supply this. The previous formulation would be accepted for the time
being. Mr. Harding (S Branch) regretted that all the acceptance drawings had still not been received.
Mr. Warren (M.S.S.C.) replied that E.T. hoped to send draft P.O. acceptance drawings by the 10th of July.
Manufacturers had done a great deal of work on these drawings and had given them
specially urgent treatment but a lot of points requiring attention had arisen. S.E.S. hoped to
send their drawings by the end of July.
Mr. Redington (S Branch) reported that 52,000 textile cords and 13,000 PVC cords had been obtained which should last for three months.
The Chairman said that the Post Office was anxious to obtain information about production dates for the new telephones as it would wish to launch a sales
campaign as scan as sufficient stocks were available in all colours. The latest information was the schedule prepared by T.A.C. in March which showed that it was hoped to supply 20,000 in July and 20,000 a month thereafter. However the present position was that E.T. had supplied 3,400 and G.E.C. 1,400 and these figures made the forecast of 20,000 for July seem rather doubtful.
Mr. Paren (T.A.C.) said that the question of production dates would shortly be considered by T.A.C. but the following comments were offered by manufacturers representatives:-
Mr. Rippin reported that T.M.C. had not started deliveries yet but hoped to do so in August.
Mr. Lewis (S.E.S.) stated that the first assembly of the new telephones was now taking place and E.S. hoped to commence delivery in July.
Mr. Hobbs anticipated a very small quantity by the end of August from
Plessey.
Mr. Thomas said that A.T.E. were closing shortly for holidays and it would
be well into August before deliveries commenced.
Mr. Bendall said that Phoenix would also be closing down and production was not likely to start in July.
Mr. Combridge (S Branch) raised the question of the add-on units which were wanted for
the black telephones for P.B.X. extensions.
Mr. Lewis (S.E.S.) replied that some trouble had been experienced in tooling. New tools were being amended to
meet the requirements. He had heard unofficially that nylon was to be used.
Mr. Combridge (S Branch) said that Diakon was not satisfactory and nylon should be used. This
information should have been circulated by the liaison officers. Mr. Prince (E.T.)
thought that the information had been circulated and Mr. Hedley (Phoenix)
confirmed that it had reached Phoenix.
Click here for more information on the cases
The Chairman was assured by the manufacturers that the Post Office was not delaying their production in any way.
7th October 1959
Mr. Warren (M.S.S.C.) retorted that all the P.O. acceptance drawings were with
the Post Office except for those for thee, add-on units. Completion was hoped for in two to three weeks.
The question of production was discussed, but Mr. Paren (T.A.C.) explained that he was looking into the
up to date statistics of output achieved and planned, for a meeting shortly to be held with the Contracts Department and was
unable to anticipate this information except to say that it was hoped to overtake all arrears by the end of December and then to continue at a higher rate
than planned. The Chairman emphasized that the Post Office was anxious to obtain a reasonable stock in all the full range of colours as soon as possible. In reply
to Chairman's enquiry, the manufacturers confirmed that there were no delays in production due to outstanding technical points awaiting decision from the P.O.
Mr. Warren (M.S.S.C.) reported that the manufacturers comments were with the P.O. on the specifications for
the telephone, the induction coil and the regulator and Mr. Combridge (S Branch) undertook to look into this.
13th January 1960
It was reported by Mr. Warren (M.S.S.C.) that the P.O. now had all the
manufacturers' comments on specification S 585. Samples of the outer number rings in the new elephant grey material were required. Mr.
Harding (S Branch) said that this might have been delayed by the selection of the new standard.
Mr. Harding (S Branch) agreed to supply a list showing a cross reference between the P.O. and E.T. drawing numbers as this was apparently causing some difficulty.
It was agreed that the specification for the induction coils could be issued. The specification for the complete telephone was with the manufacturers' who asked for fourteen days in which to circulate their comments, which was agreed.
13th April 1960
Part 1.
It was mentioned that the P.O. acceptance drawings were still with the Post Office, but it was hoped to arrange a meeting shortly to discuss them with E.T.
Part 2.
AEI had checked the drawings and were satisfied on all but some points on three of the drawings which would probably require a meeting with the Post Office.
12th July 1961
Mr. Warren (M.S.S.C.) mentioned that the report on the test of the A.E.I. Neophone had been seen in draft and approved by the manufacturer, but the final copies had
not been circulated. Mr. Harding (S Branch) agreed to look into the matter. The only other
item outstanding was the DC bell (Bell 74A). Mr. Harding (S Branch) mentioned that in the past the bell had been mounted on the wall, but it was now the intention that it should be placed inside the
telephone, in a somewhat restricted space. Several samples had been seen which were not entirely satisfactory, and
Mr. Harding (S Branch) considered that the item should be given a field trial to see if it was
satisfactory from the subscriber's viewpoint, Mr. Warren (M.S.S.C.) replied that
A.E.I. agreed to supply a small quantity for field trial. Mr. Harding (S Branch) thanked the manufacturers for this offer, and it was agreed that the bell should be treated as a new SCP
and that it would be possible to discharge SCP 153 at the next meeting.
11th October 1961
SCP 153 was discharged and SCP 206 issued for the Bell No. 74.
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