HC Deb 05 March 1958 vol 583 cc1152-3
20. Mr. Hirst

asked the Postmaster-General what steps he will take to provide reverse charge facilities similar to those in operation in this country for telephone calls to the United Kingdom initiated upon the Continent.

Mr. K. Thompson

I am pleased to say that arrangements have been made to introduce the reverse charge facility in our telephone services with Belgium, Denmark, Faroe Islands, France, Luxembourgh, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden from 1st April. I hope that before long it will be extended to other European countries.

Mr. Hirst

May I thank my hon. Friend for this concession which will be extremely valuable in all business circles? May I ask him if, in his consideration of extending this concession to additional countries in Europe, he will give some thought also to Canada and the United States in due course?

Mr. Thompson

Yes, Sir; we have that consideration very much in mind.

Mr. Hobson

Can the hon. Gentleman state whether the countries which he has enumerated are reciprocating the arrangement?

Mr. C. R. Thompson

Yes, it is part of an agreement fixed on that basis.

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