HC Deb 27 February 1939 vol 344 cc905-6
69. Mr. Day

asked the Postmaster-General particulars of the number of telephone kiosks reported to have been wilfully and maliciously damaged in the Westminster district of London and/or other districts during the last few days; the approximate cost of the damage; and whether any prosecutions have been instituted against the offenders?

Sir W. Womersley

Damage to call offices and kiosks occurred on the night of 23rd-24th February as follows:

22 call offices in Victoria Station,

7 call offices in St. James Park Station.

11 kiosks in Victoria Street, and one kiosk at Grangewood, Forest Gate.

The damage, which has now been re paired, consisted of cutting the receiver cords, the total cost of repair being less than £5.

There is at present no clue to the offenders.

Mr. Day

Have the Department any idea as to who did it?

Sir W. Womersley

Investigations are being made by the investigation officers of the Post Office in conjunction with Scotland Yard, and if my hon. Friend will give me any information which will lead to a conviction he will have the usual reward.

Mr. Day

Is not the Minister aware that I am supposed to ask questions and not to give information?

Sir W. Womersley

Hon. Members who ask questions often give information.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that very often when I call up my party offices from here I am tempted to destroy the machine because of the time they take to connect Scotland Yard?

Sir W. Womersley

Evidently the hon. Member does not always dial correctly.