§ 54. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY (for Major CHURCH),asked the Postmaster-General what stocks of the old pattern instrument are still in hand; whether the additional charge made to telephone subscribers for the installation of the hand microphone instrument will he discontinued when existing stocks of the old pattern instrument are used up or worn out; and whether he will give the telephone subscriber, without extra charge, the best instruments available, considering that most of the research and technical development upon which new instruments are based is paid for by the taxpayer?
§ Mr. ATTLEEA stock of approximately 250,000 of the pedestal instrument is in hand. This type of instrument is fully efficient, and is standard both in this country and in the United States. The new type is more expensive both in initial cost and in maintenance charges, and is consequently subject in the United States as well as here, to a supplementary charge. As I informed the hon. Member for Blackley (Mr. P. Oliver) on 30th March, I cannot see any immediate prospect of making any further reduction in this charge.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYMay we understand that the extra charge is not in order to discourage the use of the new instruments when the others have been used up?
§ Mr. ATTLEEYes, Sir.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIt has that effect.