§ 39. Mr. Dayasked the Postmaster-General the country of origin and the cost of installation of the speaking clock which is dialled in the London district by the automatic signal TIM; and when it is proposed to introduce similar extended services?
§ Major TryonThe speaking clock was designed by the Post Office Engineering Research Department and was constructed by Post Office engineers from parts manufactured in this country. The total capital cost of installation of the mechanism and associated plant, including the necessary preliminary experiments, was about £9,000. In addition, substantial expenditure is incurred in day to day maintenance and in the provision of power and of exchange and junction plant and of operating staff for dealing with the calls. As stated in my answer to the hon. Member's question on 26th April, the date of the extension of the service to other large centres is dependent upon the manufacture of special equipment and the provision of additional line plant.
§ Major TryonYes, Sir.
§ Mr. Charles WilliamsCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the cost of the day to day maintenance of this clock?