HC Deb 16 July 1931 vol 255 cc769-70
78. Mr. CULVERWELL

asked the Postmaster-General by what means telephone subscribers are protected against being overcharged on their local calls account, particularly in cases of ineffective calls, calls when wrong number is given or no reply obtained, calls to report instrument out of order, or calls to re-establish connection when exchange cuts off?

The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Viant)

A call is not recorded for charge purposes until it becomes effective, i.e., until the called subscriber's telephone is answered. If a connection is established with a wrong number, or if a connection is severed prematurely, the subscriber should advise the operator of the occurrence in order that credit may be allowed. No charge is made for a local call to the exchange or to an official telephone to report an instrument out of order.

Mr. CULVERWELL

Can the hon. Member say whether a subscriber has any means of successfully contesting his telephone account, or whether he has any means of obtaining a refund of what he knows is an overcharge?

Mr. VIANT

If any complaint is made by a subscriber the Department have ways and means of checking the number recorded, but it must be appreciated that they are dependent upon the human factor all the time in recording the calls except in automatic exchanges.

Mr. CULVERWELL

Can the Asssistant Postmaster-General say whether the Post Office ever makes a refund in the event of a subscriber complaining and proving that an overcharge has been made?

Mr. VIANT

Where it is proved that a mistake has been made refunds have been made.

Sir AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

How is control exercised in the case of an automatic exchange, and how in such an exchange is a distinction made between an effective and a non-effective call?

Mr. VIANT

I am afraid that that is far too technical a matter to be dealt with by question an answer.

Mr. MARLEY

How does the user of an automatic slot machine get his money back if he finds he is on the wrong number?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

Is any charge made for complaining to the operator?

Mr. VIANT

If the hon. Member will read my reply he will appreciate that that is not done.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Does not the Post Office reserve to itself the sole right of judging?