HC Deb 13 November 1929 vol 231 cc2042-3
98. Sir FREDERICK THOMSON

asked the Postmaster-General what is the sum that the Post Office have standing at the credit of telephone users on deposit for trunk calls?

The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Viant)

The total amount held on deposit on the 30th September, 1929, was £2,690,717. This covers local calls and phonograms as well as trunk calls. Separate figures for the latter service are not available.

Sir F. THOMSON

This is a large sum. Can the hon. Member see his way to make a reduction in the amount?

Mr. VIANT

When the subscribers pay their accounts, i.e., about five weeks after the end of each quarter, the Department holds a sum of about £2,500,000 in excess of the accrued liabilities of subscribers for rental and call fees. This credit disappears and is replaced by a debit which increases to about £2,500,000 just before the next quarter's accounts are sent out and paid.

Sir G. PENNY

Will the hon. Member also see that subscribers have better attention on the telephones?