§ 62. Mr. WOMERSLEYasked the Postmaster-General if he is prepared to accede to the requests from the Federation of British Wholesale Fish Merchants' Associations for a reduction in the amount required by the Post Office as a deposit for telephone trunk calls, and also for an extension of the night trunk rate from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI regret that I cannot see my way at present to make the concessions desired. As accounts for telephone call fees are rendered at a considerable interval after the services have been performed, deposits are, as a general rule, balanced by the accrued liabilities of subscribers. The night rate for trunk calls could not be extended to 8 a.m. without substantial loss of revenue.
§ Mr. WOMERSLEYWill my right hon. Friend be prepared to receive a deputation from this Federation, which represents the whole of the wholesale fish merchants of this country?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI am always ready to receive deputations, but this matter has been very carefully considered, and, as I have said, I am not prepared to take action. Therefore, there would be no useful purpose served in receiving a deputation.