§ 48. Mr. DORANasked the Postmaster-General whether, with a view to popularising the telephone, he can see his way to reduce the present rental charge of £1 12s. 6d. per quarter for the hire of the apparatus?
§ Sir K. WOODI regret that in view of the financial position of the Telephone Service, I cannot see my way to reduce the rental charge, but the question will be kept in view and a reduction will be made when conditions permit.
§ Mr. CAPORNWhy is the telephone so much more expensive in this country than in other parts of the British Empire—Canada, for instance?
§ Sir K. WOODI do not think that that is so. I have noticed many comparisons of that kind, and many of them are not altogether accurate. With regard to the particular proposal of my hon. Friend, even such a small reduction in the rental charge as half-a-crown per quarter would mean a loss of revenue to the Telephone Service close on £700,000 a year.