asked the Postmaster-General whether inquiries have been completed with reference to the installation of the telephone service in Moate, and when this service will be in working order; further, whether he is aware of numerous complaints as to the charges for telephone service, and if he contemplates making a 50 per cent. reduction in same, and whether the Postmaster-General has received complaints that the charge of £15 0s. 0d. to private subscribers is considered excessive.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - MOATE TELEPHONE SERVICE.
The inquiries regarding the proposed opening of a Telephone Exchange at Moate have just been completed, and definite terms for the rental of lines will be quoted to the prospective subscribers in a few days. Should agreements be signed by a sufficient number of subscribers the Exchange will be opened with the least possible delay.
In the case of new Exchanges the rental for a subscriber's line varies according to local circumstances, and is based upon the cost of the extension of the trunk telephone system to the place, and of the installation of the Exchange equipment. There is no standard charge in such cases, and numerous complaints have been made as to the prohibitive rental usually quoted. It is recognised that high rentals are not conducive to the development of the Telephone Service, and I am having the whole question of Telephone rates enquired into, with a view of ascertaining whether any reduction in the charges is warranted, and whether it would be practicable to afford extensions of the telephone system under more favourable terms.
Is the Postmaster-General aware that a large number of people in Mullingar who had the telephone installed into their premises have now cut it off, owing to £15 being charged and there being no free call allowed? Persons who had the telephone installed had to pay for the calls in addition to the £15, and it was with a view to reducing the charges by the Government that I put this question.
I have already made a very full statement on that subject and I do not want to go into it any further.