asked the Postmaster-General what was the revenue received in 1946 in respect of telephone services to Government Departments; and which three Ministries had the largest expenditure on this service.

The estimated value of telephone services rendered to Government Departments during the financial year 1946–47 was £16,400,000. The three Ministries having the largest telephone user during this period were the Air Ministry (£6,700,000), the War Office (£3,300,000) and the Admiralty (£1,800,000).

In view of the fact that the telephone service seems to be mechanically almost on its last legs, will the right hon. Gentleman say what steps are being taken to reduce this enormous burden of calls from Government Departments?

I admit that the telephone service is not as good as I should like it to be, owing to six years of war, but it is not as bad as the hon. Gentleman indicates.