§ 33. Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Postmaster-General if he will consider the question of the establishment of telephone call-offices in all parishes with a population of 3,000 and over, with a view of placing the inhabitants in possession of reasonable telegraphic communication?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Viscount Wolmer)It is the policy of the Post Office to establish public telephone call-offices wherever the receipts are likely to cover the cost of providing and maintaining the service. 1999 Where this is not the case, it is the practice, as explained in my right hon. Friend's statement in the House on 31st March last, to require a guarantee for the deficit. I regret that the financial position does not at present justify waiving this requirement.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESIs the Noble Lord not aware that the question of finance and making the service pay are not the only considerations in those rural areas, because the question of saving lives after accidents depends very much on quick telephonic communication, and nothing of the sort is available in many of our villages? Ought not the Post Office to change their policy an these grounds and see that within certain limits there should be proper telephonic conveniences in those localities?
§ Viscount WOLMERIf the parish council will give a guarantee, the Post Office is always willing to assist.
§ Mr. JONESWhy should the parish council give a guarantee at all, because the Post Office is a business organisation?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question should be discussed on the Vote.