§ 49. Mr. Magnayasked the Postmaster-General whether the increase in the number of night trunk calls, since the introduction of the Is. call, is being maintained; and whether the service given is. considered to be satisfactory?
§ Major TryonPrior to 1934, when the Is. trunk calls at night were introduced, the number of trunk calls made in the evening period amounted to some 2,300,000 a year. The cheap rate has proved to be so popular that in 1938 the number of trunk calls in the evening period amounted to no less than 13,500,000. The present rate of increase is about 8 per cent. a year. This rapid increase in traffic has introduced a number of difficult problems in regard to both staff and equipment, but these have now been largely overcome. The standard of service is generally satisfactory, but occasions arise when it is impossible to avoid delay in connecting calls on individual routes where there is a sudden and heavy concentration of traffic.
§ Mr. J. MorganWould the Postmaster-General now consider having a reduced rate for the afternoon in order to improve the afternoon service?