34. Captain CAZALETasked the Postmaster-General whether he has been able to give favourable consideration to the question of reducing the charge for the 674 new pattern hand-microphone instrument?
§ Sir K. WOODFrom the beginning of April I propose to reduce the charge for the hand-microphone instrument. New renters will have the option of making a lump sum payment of 20s. or six quarterly payments of 4s. Subscribers already renting the instrument will be relieved of the present supplementary charge of 2s. a quarter as soon as the total of their payments for complete calendar quarters amounts to 24s.
Captain CAZALETMay we take it that new subscribers unless they make these arrangements will still have to be served with old instruments, and can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Post Office have yet got rid of their stock of old instruments?
§ Sir K. WOODWe have made progress in that connection. I am sure the hon. and gallant Member realises that it would be too great a strain on the finance to give the complete concession of new machines in every case. I hope the public will regard this as a reasonable arrangement in the circumstances.