§ Mr. CAVEasked the Postmaster-General whether doctors and others who use a plug and socket apparatus for the purpose of moving the telephone from one room to another are charged a sum of 5s. per socket per annum for such apparatus; whether this charge greatly exceeds the annual cost of the apparatus; and whether he can see his way to reduce the charge to a nominal sum of, say, 1s. per annum?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe annual charge for fitting sockets in two rooms, in order that a movable telephone with a plug may be used in either room, is ten shillings, and if a second bell is also required there is an additional charge of five shillings a year. These charges cover the first cost of the sockets and bell, as well as additional wiring up to 110 yards and the maintenance of the wiring and apparatus. In practice the use of extra appliances of this kind gives rise to occasional special difficulties, and thereby slightly increases the cost of maintenance. On this account the present charges are fully justified, and I could not agree to their reduction to a nominal sum.