§ 21. Colonel DAYasked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that the telephone service between this country and America has been very little utilised, he will consider the advisability of reducing the present charges?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONMy associates of the American Telegraph and Telephone Company consider, and I agree with them, that until further experience has been gained of the working of the service it is too early to consider any alteration of the present charges.
§ Colonel DAYDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider that £5 per minute or £15 for three minutes is an exorbitant charge, and that, if it were reduced, the service would be much more used?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI do not consider the charge exorbitant; otherwise, I would not have agreed to it. The hon. Member must remember that I am associated with the American company, and I must consult them.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDo I understand that this is a private company the right hon. Gentleman speaks of as his associates?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONAt the other end, the service is worked by the American Telegraph and Telephone Company.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYHow can His Majesty's Post Office be in association with a private company?
§ Colonel DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the service is used all day long, or whether there are long spells when it is not used?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThere are considerable intervals.