§ 30. Sir Granville Gibsonasked the Postmaster-General why long-distance telephone calls, although put in during the cheap-rate period, are charged at the full rate it there is delay on the system making the call available for use after the cheap-rate period has expired?
§ The Postmaster-General (Captain Crookshank)The restriction of the cheap call period to 9.30 p.m. was designed specially to ease the staffing position and avoid travelling difficulties during the late night hours. I am sorry that I cannot agree that calls not put through by 9.30 p.m. should be connected at the cheap rate. This would tend to increase the volume of traffic and would, in a large measure, defeat the object in view.
§ Sir G. GibsonWhile appreciating the necessity for limiting the hour to 9.30, is it fair and reasonable that a person should put through a call at 8.30 and when the call comes through at 9.31 he should be charged the full rate? It is not the fault of the subscriber but of the Post Office in not putting in the call.
§ Captain CrookshankNo. Sir, it is the fault of other people talking too long. If everyone observed the advice to be brief, it might not happen.
§ Sir G. GibsonIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that it is not the fault of the public speaking too long, because their conversations are limited and they are told so when they make the call?
§ Captain CrookshankThey are only limited to a maximum, and one can talk less than the maximum allowed.
§ Sir G. GibsonReally, the Post Office should be more up-to-date.