§ Mr. HENRY M'LARENasked the Postmaster-General whether he can give in detail the estimated cost of establishing and maintaining a call-office at Swannington, showing the cost of establishing the call-box separately from the cost of maintenance, and showing how the cost of maintenance is arrived at?
§ Captain NORTONThe capital cost of providing a call office at Swannington is £79 (£55 for the line and £24 for the cabinet and apparatus). The cost of maintaining the call office will be as follows:—
The maintenance charges are based on the average cost of maintenance per mile of line, per telephone, etc., and the renewal charges are based on a sinking fund calculation. The cost of a telephone cabinet was not included when the expenses were quoted at £13 as it was thought that it would be possible to dispense with a cabinet. It is now found that a cabinet will be necessary, and this will cause an excess on the original estimate, but as the offer of an extension under a guarantee of £13 has been accepted, the guarantee will not be increased.
Per annum. £ s. d. Maintenance and renewal of line 5 5 6 Maintenance and renewal of cabinet and apparatus 4 5 0 Interest 2 15 4 Attendance and head quarters expenses, etc. 2 16 0 £15 1 10