§ Mr. Parkerasked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that telephone subscribers are allowed each quarter 50 local calls, or the equivalent in value, free of charge, he will in future allow the full deduction of 4s. 2d. to be made from the quarterly accounts of all subscribers in order not to discriminate against those who use their telephones primarily for long-distance calls costing more than 4d. each?
§ Sir W. WomersleyA substantial reduction in trunk call charges was made in May, 1936. The scheme adopted in October, 1936, for the allowance to residence rate subscribers of free local calls up to 50 a quarter was intended to encourage the use of the telephone for local calls; and I regret that I do not see my way to extend the scope of the scheme in the manner suggested.