asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if complaints are repeatedly being made about the rental charges for telephones in the area of West Cork, and if he can state (1) how many new subscribers have come on in the period of two years ended December, 1933; and (2) how many subscribers have fallen off in the same period; further, if he is aware that a greater number of subscribers could be obtained if the charges were lowered and if the mileage scale for telephones in rural areas were discontinued after the initial cost was defrayed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Charges in West Cork.
Representations for the reduction of telephone charges have been received from time to time. There has been no material change in the number of telephone subscribers in the West Cork area during the past two years; actually the position is that 14 subscribers have ceased service while 11 new subscribers have been obtained.
It is not practicable at the moment to make any reduction in the existing charges to subscribers in either town or rural areas as the rentals are not more than sufficient to cover the average costs of provision and maintenance of the circuits.
Would the Minister be prepared to consider the particular case of rural telephones, say, some three miles, from an exchange? They are based on a mileage charge whilst all the preliminary charges are met. Would the Minister consider having them charged at the ordinary rate instead of keeping the mileage charge for ever and ever? It is no more difficult to keep it up for three miles than for 300 yards once the cost has been met by the subscribers.