§ 20. Captain John Crowderasked the Postmaster-General when the 15 per cent. surcharge on telephone postal charges is to be taken off.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingSince the end of the war, growth of expenditure in the telephone service has steadily outpaced growth of revenue. This is due to the high post-war costs of plant required for expansion of the system, combined with increased costs of operation generally. In the circumstances, I regret that I can see no prospect of abolishing the present surcharge.
§ Captain CrowderIn view of his reply, could the Minister explain why I received an account recently for new internal telephone wiring which, I was told by the Postmaster, was based on a cost of works basis, but the 15 per cent. surcharge was added to it, and surely it does seem illogical, if such work is done on a cost of works basis, that this surcharge should be added?
§ Mr. PalingI could not answer that particular question, but if the hon. and gallant Member will let me have details I will gladly look into the matter.