asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state (a) the percentage which capital and maintenance charges bear to the total annual expenditure of the telephone service in the years 1947-48, 1950-51, 1953-54 and 1955-56, and (b) the total revenue derived from (i) telephone rentals and (ii) telephone call charges for the same years expressed as percentages of total telephone revenue.

The information required by the Deputy is contained in the attached statement.

Following is the statement:—

NOTE.—Capital charges comprise interest on capital and provision for depreciation. Maintenance charges comprise maintenance of system and buildings, including rent, rates, etc.