§ 84. Mr. CLYNESasked the Postmaster-General whether he has received any complaints regarding the charges now being 1079 made as war surcharges with respect to the installation of new telephones; whether he is aware that in one case in Manchester a payment of £12 10s. was demanded before the installation would be proceeded with, although the usual surcharge while the War was on was £4; and whether, in the interests of the trade of the country, he will consider the possibility of reducing these charges?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe general question of the surcharge on new installations is under consideration. The surcharge is at present based on the out-of-pocket expenses involved in providing the line required, £4 being the minimum payment. If the right hon. Gentleman will give me particulars of the case to which he refers I will have the correctness of the charge verified.