§ 1. Mr. Fowlerasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications how many telephones have been installed in hotels over the last 12 months in Great Britain.
§ The Minister of Posts and Telecommunications (Sir John Eden)The Post Office tells me that this information is not available.
§ Mr. FowlerIs my right hon. Friend aware of the different methods by which hotels charge costs for telephone calls? Does he realise that in calculating its charge at least one hotel simply doubles the amount? Thus, a call costing the hotel £1 is charged at £2. Is this not an unsatisfactory arrangement? Should not hotels be required to make public their pricing policy?
§ Sir J. EdenI am aware that hotels charge over and above the normal rates to cover certain overheads and other 1108 expenses that are incurred in making these facilities available. If my hon. Friend has a particular instance in mind, he might think of taking it up with the Regional Tourist Board or with my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister for Trade and Consumer Affairs.