§ Mr. VIANTasked the Postmaster-General the result of the reductions in overseas radio-telephone rates which were made last year; and whether any further reductions in these rates are contemplated?
§ Major TRYONI am glad to say that the reductions in the radio-telephone rates to Australia, South Africa and India which were made last June have resulted in a satisfactory increase in traffic. The reduced night rates which were introduced in the services to Canada and the United States in June last have also proved popular; and arrangements have now been made with the telephone authorities in those countries for a further reduction of rates from 1st July next. The rate between London and New York or Montreal will be reduced from 40s. to 28s. a minute during the day, and from 28s. a minute to 20s. a minute at night, the cheapest telephone rate that has ever been available across the Atlantic. The night rate will also be available throughout Sundays.