§ 13. Mr. Boydasked the Postmaster-General how much his Department spent, in the latest year for which information is available, on advertising to persuade people to make more use of telephone facilities.
§ Mr. MarplesIn the year ending 30th June, 1959, we spent approximately £70,000 on Press advertising.
§ Mr. BoydIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that this was a useful expenditure of money? Why should people be persuaded to telephone more than they want to? Would it not be better to keep the lines clear for those who really want to get through and not encourage people to add themselves to the waiting list when others are unable to get through?
§ Mr. MarplesI can only hope and pray that the hon. Member never becomes Postmaster-General. The more traffic we have the greater profit we make. In 1958 there was an upward trend in trunk traffic, and in 1959, so 390 far, we are 12 per cent. above the 1958 figure. The more that people telephone the better it is, because the more profit we make. I am sure that the hon. Member wants a nationalised industry to make a profit.