HC Deb 19 December 1932 vol 273 cc730-1
27. Mr. DORAN

asked the Postmaster-General what steps, if any, are being taken by the comptroller of telephones to see that telephone boxes and apparatus installed at the main line termini, and in other places where they are constantly in use, are thoroughly disinfected at regular intervals; how frequently the apparatus is overhauled; and how often public telephone boxes are inspected for the purpose of finding lost property?

Sir K. WOOD

The mouthpieces and earpieces of telephones in call offices provided with an attendant are wiped with a clean cloth moistened with suitable disinfectant every morning. At other call offices the frequency depends on local conditions, e.g., in London kiosks, the telephones are cleaned in the same way at least once a week. The floors of busy call offices are washed at least once a week. The inner walls are washed as required. Examination of the apparatus for faults is made by the coin collectors and by more expert staff at various intervals. The apparatus is also continuously under the practical test of daily use and of operations at the exchange. Public telephone boxes are not inspected for the purpose of finding lost property.