§ Mr. Perkinsasked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that blind people living in country districts are largely dependent on the telephone for their daily needs, he will consider the possibility of allowing some concessions to blind people in respect of telephone charges?
§ Sir W. WomersleyThe provision of telephone service involves a substantial outlay for each subscriber in respect of expensive line plant and exchange equipment: and these costs are of course relatively higher in country districts. I have considered my hon. Friend's suggestion with every sympathy, but I regret that I could not regard the expenditure involved as justified.
Mr. Mitchellasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the delays in installation of telephones in certain districts; and whether in view of these delays, he will notify potential subscribers that the Post Office is unable to carry out further orders in those districts meantime?
§ Sir W. WomersleySerious difficulty in providing telephone service has been 1875W experienced in various localities as a result of an abnormal increase in the number of would-be subscribers in these localities, which has occasioned a certain shortage of plant. Additional plant is already on order and everything possible is being done to expedite its provision. Applicants for service are informed of the position and where possible a forecast is given of the date by which facilities will be provided.