MR. STEWART-SMITH (Westmoreland, Kendal)I beg to ask the Post master-General if he is aware that the National Telephone Company, having made agreements with persons in West more land to have a telephone at their private residences (including the right to send messages over trunk lines) for the sum of £5 for twelve months with 300 free calls, and subsequent calls at the rate of 6s. 8d. per 100, are now declining to permit these calls at the rate specified, and are insisting on entirely new agreements being made at the minimum charge of £5 and 300 free calls; and whether he can exercise any control or use any influence in the matter.
§ CAPTAIN NORTON (for Mr. SYDNEY BUXTON)I have no knowledge of the circumstances mentioned by the hon. Member. The question at issue appears to rest upon the proper interpretation of the agreements between the National Telephone Company and their subscribers, on which I am not in a position to offer an opinion.