§ 43. Mr. C. R. Hobsonasked the Postmaster-General what has been the net gain in numbers of telephone subscribers since the last increase in telephone charges.
§ Mr. K. ThompsonDuring the period referred to in the Question, the number of subscribers increased by 110,301.
§ Mr. HobsonDoes not that reply show quite clearly that as a result of the present policy on telephone costs and rentals the public can no longer afford this essential modern requirement? Is not this the 1350 lowest increase in the number of phones of any country in Europe?
§ Mr. ThompsonAs I have explained on previous occasions, we must keep our charging system in proper balance with costs, and that we are endeavouring to do.
§ Mr. GowerIs it not the fact that the recent very large increase in the number of telephones is yet another indication of the greatly increased standard of living under this present Government?
§ Mr. ThompsonMy hon. Friend is probably right.
§ Mr. HobsonDoes not the hon. Gentleman think that a net increase of only about 100,000 telephones indicates the necessity for reconsidering the whole of the postal charges in order to meet the requirements of the Department?
§ Mr. ThompsonWe have the charges constantly under consideration, endeavouring always to keep a proper balance between costs and charges.