Mr. KINGasked the Postmaster-General whether rates will entirely and immediately cease to be paid on telephone undertakings now in the hands of the National Telephone Company when they are taken 589 over by the Post Office; and whether he will say what was the annual amount paid to rating authorities by the National Telephone Company?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Captain Norton)On the transfer of the National Telephone Company's undertaking to the State the payment of rates, as such, will cease; but, as I have already stated in reply to earlier questions, the Government is prepared to make some contribution in lieu of rates on the buildings and plant to be acquired. The exact basis of the contribution has not yet been settled. I am in communication with the National Telephone Company respecting the amount paid by them to rating authorities, but the figures are not yet available.
§ Captain NORTONAs I have said, the matter is being considered.