§ 13. Sir BROGRAVE BEAUCHAMPasked the Home Secretary whether telephones are installed in all police stations; and, if not, how many are without this facility?
Mr. STANLEYTelephones are installed in all, or very nearly all, police stations other than the houses of constables on rural beats. These are over 5,000 in number, and, according to my latest information, telephones are installed in about 40–45 per cent. The proportion differs a good deal in different counties, and my right hon. Friend has been in communication with a number of police authorities with a view to their improving the telephone facilities where they appear at present to be inadequate.
§ Sir REGINALD BLAKERWill the hon. Gentleman say whether those telephones have the same frailties as those in general use among the public?
Mr. STANLEYThey are similar in character, and, therefore, no doubt, they share both their merits and demerits.
§ Sir R. BLAKERDoes the hon. Gentleman consider that this type of telephone is an adequate substitute for the ordinary police station?
Mr. STANLEYI think that is a question which should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General.
§ Sir R. BLAKERWrong number!