§ 27. Mr. MACQUISTENasked the Postmaster-General if he will state why 16 guineas per annum, in addition to all calls being charged for, for a 10-hour service only during six days of the week, is being quoted to a householder at Stracafian, Loch Riddon, near Glendaruel, Argyll, as the lowest cost of a telephone; and whether, seeing that the telephone line actually passes the house in question by a yard or two, and there is an exchange at Glendaruel, 1¾ miles distant, he will consider abating such charges to a commercial figure likely to promote the extension of the telephone system?
§ Viscount WOLMERThe terms quoted were for connection to the Glendaruel Exchange, which has only one subscriber, and were therefore based on the cost of providing and maintaining the connection. Night and Sunday service were offered at the usual tariff, that is, £1 a year extra. As subscribers increase the charges will be reduced proportionately, and when there are eight subscribers service will be given at the £8 a year rate, plus excess mileage. In the case of such very small exchanges as Glendaruel my right hon. Friend could not justify incurring deficits which would fall on the taxpayer or the general body of telephone subscribers.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the Noble Lord not aware that just because there is only one subscriber in this area he needs the telephone all the more?