A telephone apparatus comprises a base and a handset. An inclined cradle is provided on the base for receiving the handset and is shaped such that a handset placed thereon normally falls naturally into a fully seated position. A switch means responsive to the presence or absence of the handset in the cradle places the apparatus in an 'on-hook' or 'off-hook' condition respectively. A co-operating arrangement respectively on the handset and the base permit said handset to be temporarily retained in a partially seated position on the cradle without activating the switch means so as to permit the handset to be parked temporarily on the cradle without placing the apparatus in the 'on-hook' condition.