§ 28. Mr. Crouchasked the Assistant Postmaster-General what effect the fall in the price of copper and rubber has had on the cost of telephone wire and cables.
§ Mr. GammansThe cost of telephone wire and cable does not, of course, depend solely on the price of copper and rubber. The cost of telephone wire has, however, fallen by about 11 per cent. in the past 12 months. It is not possible to give the average figure for cable as there are so many types and sizes, but for some commonly used types the comparable figure is 14 per cent.
§ Mr. CrouchIs this not further proof of the wisdom of this Government in letting our experienced traders buy our raw material instead of Government bulk buyers? May I also ask whether this 2783 fall in the price of materials will mean that he will put out of his head once for all any thoughts which he may have had about increasing our telephone and postal charges?
§ Mr. GammansI think the last part of the supplementary is far too wide, as other factors besides the price of copper are involved. In reply to the first part of the supplementary, we all agree that the public benefits from a little competition.