§ 21. Mr. BURNETTasked the Postmaster-General whether he will give favourable consideration to the request of the fish trade for the postponement of the closing time of the night telephone 11 service from 7 a.m. to 7.30 a.m., in view of the increase of trade likely to result therefrom and the consequent gain to the revenues of the Government?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir Kingsley Wood)In view of the substantial loss of telephone revenue which, I am advised, would be involved, I regret I cannot see my way at present to extend the night rate period as suggested by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. BURNETTIs it not the case that fish salesmen, who are the largest users of telephones in the country, find their marketing of fish seriously hampered by the high rates, and would not the using of the telphone more frequently bring in increased revenue to the Treasury?
§ Sir K. WOODI, of course, appreciate the difficulties of the fish traders, but there are difficulties from the point of view of the Post Office as well, and I shall be glad to discuss them with my hon. Friend.