§ 60. Colonel HOWARD-BURY asked thePostmaster-General whether he can see his way to set up a public telephone box either in or outside every village post office?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir William Mitchell-Thomson)The provision of a public telephone call office at every village post office irrespective of cost or probable revenue from calls would involve prohibitive capital outlay and annual loss. I am prepared, of course, to consider the establishment of a call office in any given village where the prospective user is likely to cover costs or when a guarantee can be obtained.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that had there been a telephone call box available, it is quite probable that the murderers of Police Constable Gutteridge would have been caught before now?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONNo Sir. As far as my information goes, I do not think that is the case at all.
§ Mr. MACKINDERAre we to understand that the Postmaster-General will not set up public boxes unless a profit is assured beforehand, whatever the public want?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe general principle is that there must be some limitation on the unremunerative fringe. I am prepared to consider the circumstances in any particular case, but speaking generally, it is desirable either to have a reasonable assurance that the revenue will at least cover the costs, or some form of guarantee.
§ Colonel DAYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider, if he instals these boxes, putting in the automatic system, so that people using them can get trunk calls?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs not all this the result of having the telephones as a Government enterprise? They will not take any risks.