§ Sir R. Glynasked the Postmaster-General how many instances there have been where, as the result of inaugurating automatic telephone exchanges in rural areas, the rates charged to subscribers for calls made has been increased; whether he is satisfied that members of local advisory committees are truly representative of the whole area affected by such charges; and whether he will reconsider the whole question, in view of the fact that subscribers who entered into agreements with the Post Office on certain terms strongly object to finding such terms modified to their detriment without having been consulted in any way?
§ Major TryonI assume that the hon. Member refers to changes in call charges when a number of exchanges within a certain area are given a common name upon the introduction of automatic working. These changes usually involve a few increases in call charges in some directions with reductions in others. Such changes are comparatively rare and no record of the number of them is available. Full weight is given to the views of the subscribers affected and, in addition, consultation takes place with the local Post Office Advisory Committee representing any part of the area concerned. I am satisfied with the steps taken to implement the wishes of the public when changes of this nature are under consideration.