HC Deb 30 October 1957 vol 575 cc64-5W
87. Mr. Ness Edwards

asked the Postmaster-General how many telephone subscribers have asked for the withdrawal of the telephone; and how many applications on the waiting list have been withdrawn between the end of July and the latest convenient date.

Mr. Marples

Since the increased tariffs were announced in July 111,000 requests have been received for withdrawal of the telephone and 15,700 orders have been cancelled. By no means all of these have been due to the tariff changes, as is shown by the fact that in the corresponding period prior to the announcement there were 47,000 withdrawal notices and 14,300 cancellation of orders. Since the tariff announcement 85,000 new telephones have been installed.

96. Mr. L. Thomas

asked the Postmaster-General the number of persons who have withdrawn their application for telephones and the number of telephone subscribers who have asked for telephones to be removed since the announcement of the increases in charges and rentals.

Mr. Marples

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply of today's date to the right hon. Member for Caerphilly (Mr. Ness Edwards).

Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Postmaster-General how many private telephone subscribers have had their telephones disconnected since the announcement of the increased telephone charges.

Mr. Marples

Since the increased tariffs announced in July, 97,000 private telephone subscribers have asked for their telephones to be disconnected. In the corresponding period prior to the announcement, 25,000 such requests were received. In the past three months. 53,000 new private subscribers have been connected,.