§ Mr. Carmichaelasked the Postmaster-General what is the actual average cost of installing a new telephone service to a private subscriber in an urban area; and what his Department charges for each such installation.
§ Mr. BennI am sorry that separate figures for urban areas are not available. The average labour cost of connecting a new subscriber to the network is about £14. The maximum charge to the subscriber is £10, and this is reduced where use can be made of existing wiring.
§ Mr. Carmichaelasked the Postmaster-General if he will now reduce the normal installation charges and rental for private subscriber telephones when the subscriber is over 65 years of age.
§ Mr. BennNo. Age alone is not an indication of need and we are currently studying other possibilities designed to help those who need a low-cost communications system.