§ Sir J. D. REESasked the Postmaster-General, whether the charges levied by his Department for the use of telephones will be higher than those previously charged by the National Telephone Company; and, if so, in what direction the advantage to the public from the transfer is to be sought?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe tariff rates charged by the National Telephone Company are being maintained in force pending the general revision which I have promised to undertake when the purchase price of the company's plant has been settled. As at present advised, I do not anticipate that it will then be necessary to increase those rates.
§ Mr. MOONEYIs it not a fact that the Department in Ireland has already given notice to certain local authorities that the rates which were charged by the National Telephone Company are to be increased?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe facts are as stated in the answer I have given. There is no general revision of rates now taking place. Certain preferential rates granted by the National Telephone Company below the ordinary tariff have to be discontinued because the Postmaster-General is precluded by law from giving preferential rates to anyone.
§ Mr. MOONEYIs the Postmaster-General not bound by the agreement when 1925 he took over the telephone from the company to give the same rates?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELNo, Sir.
§ Sir J. D. REESDid he not say that in view of the higher prices for labour the cost of the telephone would be increased?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELNo, Sir. I made no such statement.