§ 42. Mr. STUART-WORTLEYasked the Postmaster-General whether it was the practice of the National Telephone Company to grant to hospitals specially favourable terms in the form of reduced rates; whether, since the transfer to the State, these favourable terms have been in all or any cases withdrawn; and, if so, whether it is intended to persist in such withdrawal?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Captain Norton)The National Telephone Company came to the conclusion that such reductions ought not to be allowed, and they began to discontinue the practice some years ago. At the time of the transfer the hospitals generally were paying for their services at public tariff rates, but a small proportion were still receiving reductions which are now being discontinued. A general obligation is imposed upon the Postmaster-General by Statute not to show favour or preference; and this obligation 1308 precludes preferences such as those mentioned, and requires him to provide telephone services on uniform terms as telegraph and postal services are provided.