HC Deb 15 June 1938 vol 337 cc220-1
5 Mr. De la Bére

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in respect of the deposits made by subscribers for local and trunk fees to the extent of a minimum LI per exchange line rental, he will take steps to have these deposits immediately returned; and, further, whether he will dispense with the connection charge of 5s., 10s., or 15s. per exchange line which is being charged at the present time?

The Assistant Postmaster-General (Sir Walter Womersley)

I regret that I cannot see my way to adopt either suggestion.

Mr. De la Bère

Is it not a fact that this £1 deposit per subscriber was simply utilised by the Government as working capital, and what justification was there for ever levying it?

Sir W. Womersley

This amount was received from the subscribers as a deposit which assured that we should receive the money due at the end of the quarter. There are ways and means of obtaining the refund of this deposit, and if my hon. Friend will see me after Questions, I will show him how to press button B and get his money back.

Mr. De la Bère

Is it not a fact that it has been used as working capital for many years?

Mr. Mander

Is not the whole thing very unsatisfactory?