Mr. Mainwarinǵasked the Postmaster General what considerations entered into the decision to ask firms for deposits in respect of their telephone calls; and what rate of interest it is proposed to allow them upon the amount deposited?
§ Captain CrookshankMy hon. Friend is no doubt aware that the practice of obtaining deposits from new subscribers was discontinued some years ago. At the present time deposits are asked for only in exceptional cases where serious difficulty has been experienced in obtaining payment of accounts. No interest is paid on these deposits.