§ 103. Major BLAIRasked the Postmaster General if the cost of transferring a telephone from the Kingston to the Chingford exchange is £22 17s.; and, if so, considering that no poles had to be fixed will he say how this charge is made up, stating whether telephone subscribers are now to be called upon to pay for the necessary plant?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Illingworth)Charges for exceptional removals are based on the cost incurred by the Post Office. In the case which the hon. Member has in mind, the cost, which was reasonable for the work involved, covered considerable additions to an existing pole line. This was necessary before any new wires were erected; but I will consider whether a reduction of the charge can be made on the ground that the work will be useful for other prospective circuits.
§ 104. Major BLAIRasked the Postmaster General when the present system of charging the users of trunk telephones by areas is to be altered; and, as trunk telephone charges are usually made according to distance, will he consider the advisability of having printed in the Post Office Guide the mileage from London, and so enable users to see for what they are being charged?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe question of telephone areas is being considered in connection with the revision of telephone tariffs, and the hon. Member's suggestion will be borne in mind.