§ 72. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Post-master-General whether he can inform the House what. methods are pursued to keep in a clean and sanitary- condition public telephone boxes; how often the average box is cleansed; and whether any form of disinfectant, and, if so, what, is made use of either with regard to the box itself or the telephone therein contained?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL - THOMSONWhere attendants are employed, they 1847 are responsible for keeping the cabinet and apparatus in a clean condition. The mouthpieces and earpieces are wiped with a clean cloth, moistened with disinfectant, every morning. The floor is washed at least once a week and the inner walls occasionally as required. At unattended call offices the mouthpieces and earpieces are wiped with a clean cloth, moistened with disinfectant, once, twice or three times weekly according to the use made of the office. The floor is washed once a week and the inner walls as required. Standard makes of disinfectant are used.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWill the right hon. Gentleman believe that some of these boxes do not show signs of the frequent washings to which he has referred?
§ Sir F. MEYERIs it in the right hon. Gentleman's power to issue regulations prohibiting smoking in these telephone boxes?
§ Colonel DAYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider fitting glass mouthpieces, which are more hygienic?