Abstract: A facsimile machine (10), connected to a telephone line (L), includes a telephone handset (17) and a flip-up lid (12) having a cradle (19) for removably accommodating the telephone handset (17). The lid (12) is provided with catches (22a,22b) that cooperate with the telephone handset, (17) releasing it so that it can be picked up when the lid (12) is closed on the casing of the facsimile machine (10), and retaining it on the lid (12) to prevent it from falling out of its cradle (19), when the lid (12) is flipped up. The availability and use of the telephone line (L) for making voice telephone calls through the handset (17) are controlled in relation to presence of the latter (17) in its cradle (19) and to the position of the lid (12). In particular, the telephone line (L) will remain free even when the lid (12) is flipped up with the telephone handset (17) in its cradle, thus permitting the reception of incoming voice telephone calls.