HC Deb 27 April 1926 vol 194 cc1847-8
76. Colonel APPLIN

asked the Post-master-General whether he is aware that turf commission agents are compelled to pay a cash deposit of five pounds on every telephone installed for their business instead of 30s. as laid down in the Postal Regulations; and if he will state the reason for this extra charge and the authority for imposing it?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

The amount of the deposit ordinarily required is two-thirds of the quarterly user, actual or estimated, with a minimum of £1. Experience shows that turf commission agents make extensive use of the trunk and local services, and in the case of new subscribers of this class, where the probable user has to be estimated, I do not consider the request for a deposit of £5 to be unreasonable. The fixing of the amount is a matter within my discretion and is provided for in the subscriber's agreement.

Colonel APPLIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some of these cases quite considerable sums have been paid and are held by the Post Office for very many years, and probably never returned?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

I should require a little more information about that from the hon. and gallant Gentleman before I could answer him.