HC Deb 13 July 1909 vol 7 c1850
Mr. CARLILE

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the officials of the Post Office, in the case of a removal, or a substitution, or alteration to the telephone, insist upon subscribers signing a paper, yet refuse to state what the cost may be for such removal, alteration, or substitution; and whether this is done with his sanction?

Mr. BUXTON

Subscribers to the Post Office Telephone Service are required to sign an undertaking to pay the cost of removing their telephones. The simple cases of removal, which include about 70 per cent, of the whole, are covered by standard charges, which are always quoted to the subscribers when they are asked to sign the undertakings. In other cases, where estimates of the cost of the work have to be obtained, the information is always given if required by the subscribers.

Mr. CARLILE

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the officials give the information when desired, where the standard rate of charges is concerned?

Mr. BUXTON

The standard charges are always quoted to subscribers. It is only in special cases they are not, but if a subscriber asks for them the information is always given where possible.

Mr. CARLILE

My information is that it is not so.

Mr. BUXTON

If the hon. Member will give me a case I will have inquiry made.