§ 19. Major Tufton Beamishasked the Postmaster-General what is the least fraction of a minute which is counted and charged as a whole minute after the three minutes' signal during a telephone call; and whether he is satisfied that sufficient time is allowed to allow a subscriber to say goodbye and put down the receiver.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThe signal is given 12 seconds before the end of each three-minute period. I am satisfied that this allows sufficient time to finish the call and replace the receiver.
§ Major BeamishIs the Postmaster-General aware that, in practice, a whole minute is frequently charged for, although the conversation only continues for a few seconds beyond the signal? Is there no machinery whereby the rule prescribed can be carried out in practice?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsIf the hon. and gallant Member will let me have evidence of that, I will certainly take up the matter.
§ Mr. George ThomasIs not my right hon. Friend aware that when one is saying goodbye, time often passes much more quickly than one realises?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsIt all depends to whom one is saying goodbye.
§ Major BeamishIf the Postmaster-General wants an example, may I ask him to look into a recent case where I was charged 7s. 4d. for speaking to Portugal for two seconds beyond the signal.