Private Subscribers (Withdrawals and Applications)

HC Deb 26 February 1958 vol 583 cc40-1W

52. Mr. Hobson

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state, to the latest available date, the number of private telephone subscribers who have withdrawn from the telephone system since the announcement of the increase in charges of July, 1957.

Mr. Marples

During the six months ended 31st December, 1957, 139,000 private subscribers' lines were given up. These cessations should not all be attributed to the increased charges, since there were 50,000 in the previous six months. In the six months ending 31st December last, just under 100,000 new private subscribers' lines were connected.

53. Mr. Hobson

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state the number of applicants for private telephones on 1st July, 1957 and the outstanding number at the latest convenient date.

Mr. Marples

There were 177,000 applications for private lines outstanding on 1st July, 1957, and this number had been reduced to 132,000 on the 31st December, 1957.