§ 32. Mr. Dayasked the Postmaster-General what improvements are contemplated for the purpose of connecting ships, whilst in dock, with the inland telephone service; and what further reductions in the charges of the trans-Atlantic or ship-to-shore ocean telephone service he proposes to introduce in the near future?
§ Sir W. WomersleyThere are various methods of providing telephone service to ships in dock. The existing arrangements in each instance have been made after discussions with the dock and shipping authorities concerned and appear to be adequate to meet the particular needs at each place. My right hon. Friend is always happy to consider any requests for additional facilities. As regards the second part of the question, reductions in the charges for the services mentioned are made from time to time as circumstances permit, but my right hon. Friend 1644 regrets that he is not in a position at present to announce any further reductions.
§ Mr. DayIs the Minister aware that in the majority of other countries ships in dock are connected immediately, so that passengers may have telephone facilities; and is there any reason why we should be behind other countries?
§ Sir W. WomersleyMy information is that we give equal facilities to those of foreign countries.