Mr. PERCYasked the Postmaster-General the number of telephones and extensions which have been discontinued since the increased telephone charges were 831W imposed and the number of new subscribers for the same period, and the sums, respectively, lost and gained to the Revenue?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe number of telephone subscribers who have discontinued since the increased charges were imposed is 61,500 and the number of extensions surrendered is 55,000. More than half of these were due to normal causes, such as removals, death or bankruptcy. The number of new subscribers connected during the same period was 67,300 and the number of extensions fitted 60,000. The Revenue lost and gained respectively cannot be stated exactly, but on the basis of the average revenue per station at the new rates (so far as it can be estimated at present) there is a net gain of about £158,000.