asked the Postmaster-General whether sufficient trained staff and office machinery are yet available to enable his Department to revert to the prewar practice of rendering telephone accounts quarterly.

Mr. Paling:

I regret that, in view of the manpower situation, there is no early prospect of reverting to quarterly telephone accounting.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on 31st October last the Assistant Postmaster-General did give an assurance that he expected the changeover to take place early this year? Would he bear in mind that it is very difficult to check these six-monthly accounts, and that this system comes very hardly on monthly wage earners who get these very large bills sent in twice a year? Could the right hon. Gentleman expedite the reversion to the prewar practice?

Mr. Paling:

It was intended to revert to that practice, but owing to certain things which have happened we have not been able to do so. I agree that it is desirable, and we shall do it as soon as possible.

While the six-monthly account system remains in operation, will the right hon. Gentleman abolish the fee charged for itemising the accounts?

Mr. Paling:

I should have to look into that matter.