HC Deb 26 June 1952 vol 502 cc220-1W
Mr. Lewis

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he is aware that it costs 4d. to make a telephone call from Loughton to Tulse Hill, a distance of 18 miles and yet a call from Loughton to Stratford, Maryland, a distance of about six miles costs 6d.; what is the reason for this discrepancy in charges; and whether he will take steps to lower the latter charge.

Mr. Gammans

Subscribers on exchanges within 10 miles of Oxford Circus pay higher rentals for their service than other subscribers. In compensation, the charges for short-distance calls to and from these London subscribers cover longer distances than elsewhere, with maximum effect on calls to and from exchanges within five miles of Oxford Circus. This explains the difference between the two charges quoted, as Tulse Hill is within five miles of Oxford Circus and Maryland is not.