§ Mr. DREWEasked the Postmaster-General how many subscribers are required in rural areas to open a telephone 2055W exchange; and how many subscribers are required to have an all-night and Sunday service?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONAn exchange, at appropriate rentals, can be opened for any number of subscribers from one upwards. When eight subscribers are forthcoming, the rental is £2 per quarter for circuits within the mile and a half radius, and as soon as 15 subscribers are obtained the ordinary tariff is applied. A day service only is covered by the rental until the number of subscribers reaches 20, but night and Sunday service can generally be given to a number of subscribers by a system of party line switching to the nearest open exchange upon payment of an additional charge of 5s. per quarter.