§ MR. J. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)I beg to ask the Postmaster General if he can state the annual revenue and expenditure in connection with the telephone service between London and Paris; whether the telephone is in constant use and worked without cessation, or whether there are long intervals during which it is idle; and, whether he can see his way to make the rate 3s. for three minutes' conversation, instead of 8s. as at present?
§ *THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. A. MORLEY, Nottingham, E.)During the business hours of the day the telephone to Paris is in constant use, and I think there can be no doubt that it thoroughly meets a public demand on the part of the classes whose business is facilitated by such a means of communication. The charge is a subject of international agreement, and I do not see my way at present to propose any reduction.
§ MR. HENN1KER HEATONCan the right hon. Gentleman state the expenditure and the revenue?
§ MR. A. MORLEYIt is so mixed up with the general telephone service of the country that it is difficult to state them separately; but I will give some facts to the hon. Member afterwards.