asked the Minister for Post and Telegraphs if he is aware that his Department have required an applicant for a telephone (details supplied) to pay a deposit of £400 in respect of each installation in his home and business premises; and if, having regard to the intolerable burden which such requirement imposes on the applicant and the important service being provided by the applicant to the Irish film industry, he will have the required deposits substantially reduced; and, if not, why.
Written Answers. - Telephone Deposit.
157.
The person in question was asked to pay a deposit of £300 against call charges in respect of an application for a telephone in his residence which it was stated would be used to some extent for business purposes. He did not accept these terms. A deposit of £400 was requested in respect of a subsequent application by him for a business telephone at another address. Having regard to the circumstances of the case and the generous credit afforded to telephone subscribers in respect of call charges, I regret that a reduction of the deposit sought is not considered warranted.
However, the question of reducing the deposit would be considered on request about 12 months from the date of provision of service.