§ Mr. COOPERasked the Postmaster-General if it is his intention to instal a telephone exchange in Bloxwich, in, the borough of Walsall; and, if so, when he expects it to be in operation?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)Instructions have been given for a canvass to be made at once with a view to ascertain what support would be forthcoming for a telephone exchange at Bloxwich. If the support is sufficient no time will be lost in putting the work in hand.
§ Mr. COOPERasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that his Department is asking for an annual subscription of £13 10s. for the installation of a telephone in the High Street, Bloxwich, in the borough of Walsall, whereas the rate for existing subscribers in that street is £9 per annum; and is it the policy of his Department to increase the rates of subscription over and above what the National Telephone Company charged?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe quotation of £13 10s. for a line from the Walsall Telephone Exchange to the High Street, Bloxwich, is in accordance with the tariff rates for lines to Bloxwich which has been in force in connection with the National Telephone Company's system for some years. The lower rate to which the hon. Member refers was charged under special conditions which ceased some years ago. 17 I have now arranged for a canvass to be made with a view to opening an exchange at Bloxwich, and if this proves to be possible the lion. Member's constituent referred to will be able to rent an exchange line at a subscription of £6.