HC Deb 03 April 1913 vol 51 cc539-41
32. Major GASTRELL

asked how many telephone exchanges were at 31st December, 1912, closed for any portion of the day (24 hours), and of these how many had more than 20 subscribers' lines.

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

On the 31st December, 1912, there were about 580 exchanges where less than a twenty-four hours' service was given. At about 100 of these there were more than twenty subscribers.

33. Major GASTRELL

asked the Postmaster-General if he will give the number of telephone exchanges as at 31st December, 1912, where additional payments were made by the subscribers for continuous or extended service?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The number was 100.

34. Major HOPE

asked the Postmaster-General what remuneration he proposes giving to sub-postmasters for the extra work entailed by the new duty of receiving and discharging telephone subscribers' monthly accounts, which have to be forwarded to the district telephone manager on the same day as received; and if he can state whether it has been possible to reduce the staff at the Edinburgh central telephone office owing to this work, which under the National Telephone Company was performed in Edinburgh, being transferred to local sub-postmasters?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

In answer to the first part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a similar inquiry by the hon. Member for West Bradford on the 20th March. The staff requirements of the telephone district manager's office at Edinburgh are now under review, and any saving of time arising from the transfer of work to post offices generally will of course be taken into account in this connection. I think, however, that it will be found necessary to increase the district manager's staff to meet the general growth of telephone business.

Major HOPE

If the telephone staff is reduced at headquarters will the right hon. Gentleman be able to remunerate the sub-postmasters for the extra work entailed upon them?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I do not think the matter should necessarily depend on whether the staff at headquarters is reduced or not. If the sub-postmasters have any valid claim for remuneration for this particular piece of work remuneration shall be given to them. If not, no.