29. Mr. TEMPLE MORRISasked the Postmaster-General the number of villages in Wales which are still without any telephone system at all; and what is the cheapest rate he is now quoting for the installation of an exchange of any sort in villages?
§ Sir K. WOODThe number of villages in Wales with sub-post offices but without telephone facilities is about 140, or about 13 per cent. of the total. No charge is made for installing an exchange in a village if a sufficient number of subscribers is forthcoming. The minimum rent payable by a subscriber for an exclusive line is £7 a year for a business installation and £5 10s. a year for a residential one. Call offices are opened in rural districts at the cost of the Post Office where they are likely to remunerative; otherwise a guarantee is required, the amount depending on the cost and revenue in the particular case concerned.
§ Mr. EDWARD WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is no privacy at all in the call-boxes in rural areas?
§ Sir K. WOODIf the hon. Gentleman will give me any particular case that he has in mind I will gladly go into it.
§ Mr. D. GRENFELLWhat is the minimum number of subscribers for the installation of an exchange in a village?
§ Sir K. WOODEight.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESHow does this percentage compare with that of England and Scotland?
§ Sir K. WOODI will look into that, if it is not too dangerous a subject for me to follow. During the last two years we have added 80 call offices in Wales in this particular respect.