I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 78 together.
I am not aware of widespread complaints about telephone billing procedures of my Department.
It may occasionally happen that subscribers are disconnected or threatened with disconnection when an account has been queried but such failures are rare.
Each complaint about a telephone account is judged on its merits and fully investigated, the meter and line equipment being tested, as necessary. Where there is any reason to believe that a subscriber is being overcharged an appropriate rebate is allowed.
Within the next three to six months, meters will be supplied on a sale or rental basis, to subscribers, who opt for them. These meters will enable subscribers to check on their meter call usage and to compare this with the call units included in their bills. This should enable any disputes that may arise to be resolved.
53.