HC Deb 15 June 1927 vol 207 cc1012-3
49. Major GLYN (for Colonel Sir ARTHUR HOLBROOK)

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider an alteration in the Regulation under which a guarantee is demanded for the installation of a telephone call-box in a small rural district for a period of seven years; and whether he can see his way to reduce this period, having regard to the difficulties in which residents in these districts are flow placed when requiring medical aid?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir William Mitchell-Thomson)

A guarantee is required only when it is anticipated that a telephone call office will prove wholly unremunerative, and is limited to the difference between the call office receipts and the cost of maintaining the service. As the capital outlay involved in providing the facilities is considerable, it is necessary to obtain an agreement for a period of at least seven years, as an assurance against early termination of the guarantee and the consequent heavy loss which would fall on public funds, even if the facilities were withdrawn.

Sir J. NALL

When this question of the revenue from call boxes is being considered, does the Post Office take into account the revenue derived from calls made by other instruments calling to the call office?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

Oh, yes.

Colonel DAY

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered erecting any kiosks in rural districts?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

There are some in semi-rural districts.

STATEMENT showing the quantity of Matches on which Customs Duty and Excise Duty, respectively, was paid during each of the five months ended, 31st May, 1927
—— Unit of Charge. Customs Duty. Excise Duty.
Quantity. Quantity.
January Standard Gross of 10,000 matches 778,356 500,021
February Standard Gross of 10,000 matches 877,728 444,958
March Standard Gross of 10,000 matches 869,364 391,018
April 1st—11th Standard Gross of 10,000 matches 655,764 379,704
April 12th—30th 1,000 Containers each containing more than 10, but not more than 20 matches. 190 123
Gross of Containers each containing more than 20, but not more than 50 matches. 222,425 62,829
Gross of Containers each containing more than 50 matches. 1,602 4,035
May* 1,000 Containers each containing not more than 50 matches. — 13
1,000 Containers each containing more than 10, but not more than 20 matches. 55 4,716
Gross of Containers containing more than 20, but not move than 50 matches. 626,939 505,896
Gross of Containers each containing more than 50 matches. 2,719 99,413
* The figures for May are subject to correction.

The Budget alteration in the method of charging duty on matches became operative on the 12th April.