asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will set out in abbreviated terms the additional charges upon the telephone service whose cumulative effect since 1947 offset the increased profits derived from ever increasing telephone rental and call charges; further, whether the charges recently announced are likely to produce increased revenue which will assure the financial stability of the system for a period of years.
Written Answers. - Telephone Charges.
The additional charges upon the telephone service since 1947 are shown by the following comparative figures under the main heads of expenditure for the financial years 1947-48 and 1955-56.
|
1947/48 |
1955/56 (Estimated) |
Approximate percentage increase |
|
|
£ |
£ |
% |
|
|
Administration and Operating Expenses (inc. Pension Liability) |
409,835 |
983,000 |
140 |
|
Maintenance (inc. Rent, Rates, etc.) |
286,713 |
802,000 |
180 |
|
Depreciation |
172,468 |
524,500 |
204 |
|
Interest |
94,976 |
530,500 |
458 |
|
Total Expenditure |
963,992 |
2,840,000 |
195 |
The call charges recently announced are intended to secure that telephone revenue will cover costs for a reasonable period ahead subject to there being no material increases in wage rates or other expenditure.