44. Captain MURRAYasked the Postmaster-General whether subscribers to the telephone message rate service are charged 1d. if the number inquired for is engaged or if the operator connects the inquirer with the wrong number?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)The answer is in the negative, but where a subscriber has been connected with the wrong number he should inform the operator of the mistake at the time, as otherwise the operator may suppose that his call has been effective, and charge accordingly.
§ 53. Viscount WOLMERasked the Postmaster-General why the controller of the London telephone service refuses to give a daily account of the number of telephone calls charged for; whether subscribers are charged for calls they have never had; and whether he will have an inquiry made as to the way in which the accounts of the telephone service are conducted?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELTo render daily accounts of calls made by telephone subscribers would greatly increase the cost of account work. Information as to the number of calls registered at any date is always given to subscribers on inquiry. Complaints of overcharge, which are very few in proportion to the number of accounts rendered, are always carefully investigated, and test checks are made when any reasonable doubt arises. The system 2647 of recording and charging calls was investigated some time ago by a special committee of the London Chamber pf Commerce, who reported that the means for checking subscribers' calls were mechanically efficient, and that the percentage of errors was very small. They also stated that they had investigated the method of book-keeping, and satisfied themselves that every possible check was made to ensure accuracy in subscribers' accounts. The methods referred to are those now in use, and the same care is exercised in their application. I shall be happy to furnish the Noble Lord with full details of the system, or to arrange for him or any other hon. Member to see the working of the system if he will communicate with me at any time.
§ Viscount WOLMERIs there any method of recording the number of calls?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELYes, Sir. There is an automatic register at all exchanges.
§ Viscount WOLMERIf the right hon. Gentleman has a record, why cannot the telephone subscribers have the record when there are complaints of overcharges?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe record can be obtained on any day, as I have already stated in my answer, but I think subscribers generally would very greatly resent having daily, or even weekly, records of their calls sent to them.
§ Mr. GEORGE FABERIs it possible to get monetary details of the extra charges sent in monthly?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELIf anyone has any doubt as to the accuracy of his account, it certainly can be supplied, but the cost of accounting in the Post Office is already enormous, and I do not want to add to it by giving fresh details, unless they are really necessary.
§ Mr. G. FABERIs it not perfectly impossible to check the charges sent in on the 1st of each month. The right hon. Gentleman knows one cannot tell whether 6s. is right or wrong.
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELIt is very easy to keep a check on one's business with the Post Office, if it is desirable.
§ Mr. G. FABERHow?