TELEPHONE SERVICE. (Hansard, 31 October 1932)

§ 35. Mr. ROBINSON
asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the high charges made for party telephone lines in the Bold district, near Widnes, Lancashire; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made with a view to some more economic means of operation which will facilitate a reduction of charges?

§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir Kingsley Wood)
I am making local inquiries and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

§ 36. Captain P. MACDONALD
asked the Postmaster-General what measure of success has attended the recent advertisement campaign carried out by his De- 1429 partment with regard to telephones; and what has been the approximate cost of such advertising?

§ Sir K. WOOD
The advertising campaign, which began effectively at the beginning of the present year, has, I believe, had a considerable measure of success and has been generally approved. In addition to Press advertising the campaign has included a number of telephone exhibitions, a poster campaign and the issue of telephone leaflets. The total number of telephone stations in this country has shown a substantial increase at a time when telephone systems in some other countries are losing stations. I am satisfied that it is sound policy to advertise the telephone service both from the point of view of retaining old subscribers and attracting new ones and of generally stimulating interest in the telephone system. The amount expended during the period January to September, 1932, on all these matters was approximately £25,000.

§ 40. Mr. WRAGG
asked the Postmaster-General the amount expended on telephone development during the years 1929, 1930, and 1931, and up to the latest date in 1932?

§ Sir K. WOOD
As the reply contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

	£
1929–30	10,054,540
1930–31	9,946,226
1931–32	8,663,376 (estimated)
1st April, 1932, to 30th September, 1932	3,561,000 (estimated)