HC Deb 18 February 1930 vol 235 cc1167-8W
Mr. GRAHAM WHITE

asked the Postmaster-General the number of canvassers employed in developing the telephone service; and the method of their remuneration?

Mr. LEES-SMITH

The number of officers employed on canvassing duties in connection with the telephone service is approximately 600. They are paid on scales which rise to £200 in London and £180 in the provinces, with the ordinary Civil Service bonus; and, in addition, a commission payment is made in respect of each new order obtained.

Sir H. NIELD

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that in cases where subscribers to the telephone service who have been accustomed to use the old type of multi-coin boxes, and who have expressed their willingness to accept the new type of coin-box, facilities have been withdrawn and their renewal refused; on what grounds the Department justifies its action; and will he investigate the circumstances which are relied upon for the refusal to continue the service, and the claim to terminate existing contracts relating to the same?

Mr. LEES-SMITH

I am not aware of any case in which facilities have been refused to any subscriber who has agreed to accept a new box under current conditions; and if the hon. Member will supply me with particulars I will have the matter investigated.

Sir H. NIELD

asked the Postmaster-General how, in the absence of definite figures as to the cost of collection by the Post Office of money in private telephone coin-boxes, and the cost of collection from public call kiosks, cabinets, or call offices, respectively, he has come to the conclusion that the former operation is the more expensive; and upon what basis is that conclusion founded?

Mr. LEES-SMITH

As stated in my reply to the hon. Member on the 4th instant, the ratio between the cost of collection and the amount collected is higher in the case of a private coin-box than in public call offices. This arises in part from the fact that the amount collected per visit is lower in the case of the private box, and partly because it is not always possible to gain access to the box, and this involves repeated visits for the purpose of clearing it.