§ Mr. P. COLLINSasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that in some hotels and restaurants where Post Office telephones are installed for public use the boxes, containing the instruments, cannot be entered without putting ld. into a slot, thus adding 50 Per cont. to the telephone charge of 2d.; whether this practice has the sanction of his Department; and, if not, will he take the necessary steps to ensure its discontinuance?
§ Mr. HARTSHORNThe practice referred to is not in operation at any official call office, and I assume that the installations in question are rented by the proprietors of hotels and restaurants, who allow members of the public the facility of using their telephones. I have no power to control the charges made in such circumstances.