63. Lieut. - Colonel W. GUINNESSasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that since the measured-message rate has been in force the annoyance of being cut off in the middle of a conversation in the London area has become greatly increased; and whether telephone operators are encouraged to earn a larger revenue for the Department by compelling subscribers to pay for more than one call for each conversation?
§ Mr. PIKE PEASEThe records of the observation which is maintained on the working of the telephone system show that the percentage of disconnections in the London telephone area both in April and May was below the average for the preceding 12 months. No charge is made for restoring communication, and the answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSHas not the right hon. Gentleman from his own experience found he is continually cut off and has paid a double call for each conversation?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSDid the right hon. Gentleman warn the telephone operator that the Assistant Postmaster-General was speaking?
§ Mr. PEASEI usually telephone from my own house. The lady at the office has no knowledge of who is speaking.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a telephone message was sent from Santa Catalina, California, to Cuba, a distance of 5,700 miles, in two minutes; and can he say why it takes 25 minutes to get connected 25 miles outside London?