HC Deb 26 February 1958 vol 583 cc368-9
50. and 51. Mr. Ness Edwards

asked the Postmaster-General (1) if he will consider restoring the issue of three-monthly accounts to private subscribers, in view of the prevailing high telephone charges;

(2) the estimated cost of restoring the three-monthly account system for private telephone subscribers.

Mr. Marples

It would cost roughly £1 million to do what the right hon. Member suggests. There would be great practical difficulties in giving quarterly accounts to private, and not to business, subscribers. To do it for all would cost about £1½ million. This we cannot afford.

Mr. Ness Edwards

While appreciating the information that the Postmaster-General has given to the House, may I ask if he will consider ways and means whereby the present rather heavy burden on private subscribers can be removed?

Mr. Marples

In the social survey of private subscribers that was recently undertaken, 85 per cent. said that they were satisfied with the six-monthly account, and only 15 per cent. were not. However, I will look at it again, but I do not think that anything can be done.