HC Deb 26 March 1934 vol 287 c1624
29. Mr. TEMPLE MORRIS

asked 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. WOOD

The 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 WILLIAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is no privacy at all in the call-boxes in rural areas?

Sir K. WOOD

If the hon. Gentleman will give me any particular case that he has in mind I will gladly go into it.

Mr. D. GRENFELL

What is the minimum number of subscribers for the installation of an exchange in a village?

Sir K. WOOD

Eight.

Mr. RHYS DAVIES

How does this percentage compare with that of England and Scotland?

Sir K. WOOD

I 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.