§ 78. Mr. FREEMAN (for Miss WILKINSON)asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that, for fitting a plug-and-socket arrangement for a telephone instrument to be used in a separate room, the sum of 14s. per year is charged; and whether, as this is the equivalent of the interest on £14 at 5 per cent., he will substitute a small inclusive payment?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER - GENERAL (Mr. Viant)The rental is based on the average costs of maintenance and depreciation together with interest on capital outlay. Maintenance is comparatively costly because any fault needs a special visit. Owing to the necessity for maintenance the substitution of an inclusive initial payment would not be practicable, but the question whether any reduction can be made in the annual charge is under consideration.