§ Mr. SEDDONasked the Postmaster-General whether the surcharge for telephone service is a general charge upon all users; and, if not, by what regulation the Department is empowered to make two charges for the same service, thereby making a distinction, between one citizen and another?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe surcharge is only levied on new telephone installations and additions to existing installations. It is a single payment (not an annual charge) based on the expenses incurred in installing the apparatus, which are of course much heavier than they were before the War. The surcharge was imposed by virtue of the Postmaster-General's power to fix the rates and charges for the provision, of a telephone service.
Mr. TERRELLasked the Postmaster General why the fee charged to provincial newspapers for private bag and box accommodation has been advanced from £1 1s. to £5; whether the service for which this fee is charged is of benefit to the Post Office rather than a loss; and whether, under the circumstances, he will see his way to remit the charge?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHAn increase in the charges for private boxes and bags and kindred services was necessary because of the considerable rise in the cost of wages and other expenses, and exceptions cannot be made in the application of the revised scale of charges. In no case has a fee been raised from £1 1s. to £5 under the recent revision.