asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs how many applicants for telephones, who applied in 1963, have received such service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Applications.
41.
The number is approximately 14,150.
Did any of the applicants refuse the service?
There is always a percentage who do not accept, for one reason or another. I cannot say if the period covered by the question was in any way unusual. I have not the figures.
Would the Minister agree that the main reason for refusal was the request to pay seven years in advance, which is a new feature in regard to the installation of telephones in this country?
It is not new. I have said that here several times. It is a resumption of a practice that was in force in the '40s but, apart from that, the number who would be asked to pay the seven years would not be one per cent of the deferred applications in rural areas.
I take it from the Minister's reply that the only people who are to be asked to pay seven years are those living in extremely remote areas?
That does not arise.
Are the people who are asked to pay the seven years people of doubtful credit?
No, the Deputy asked a question and I want to answer it, if he will allow me. It is not based on the person's financial standing; it is based on the capital cost of installing the telephone which, in some cases, is over £1,000. We do expect to get some return on the capital as against installing a telephone which might be used for only six months and then discarded.
Would the Minister not agree that that is a new procedure?
Mr. O'Malley
No. No fee, no phone.
Did I understand the Minister to say that it costs £1,000 to instal this second-hand equipment which is being installed?
We do not use second-hand equipment.
I see it every day of the week.