76. Mr. SHIRLEY BENNasked the Postmaster-General if, following the telephone system which obtains in Germany, by which conversation between any points in the Empire can be conducted at the rate of 1s. for three minutes, he will consider the desirability of reducing the rate for telephone trunk calls within the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe rate of charge for ordinary trunk calls in Germany ranges from 2½d. to 2s., according to the distance. The charge for an urgent call is three times the charge for an ordinary call. The question of the future charges for trunk calls is receiving my consideration.