34. Mr. Andersonasked the Postmaster- General how many telephone kiosks are now in use in the country; how much was collected during the past six months from these kiosks for telephone calls; and what arrangements are made to check the amounts so collected from the telephone kiosks?
§ Major TryonThe number of telephone kiosks in use in the United Kingdom at the end of May last was 33,027, and the receipts for the six months ended the 31st March last amounted to £695,198. A check on the receipts is imposed by comparing the amounts collected with the exchange records of the calls made.
Mr. AndersonI take it that at every one of the kiosks visited there is some check upon the amount taken from the kiosk?
§ Major TryonYes, Sir. The checks are made with the records of the exchanges with which they are connected.
Mr. AndersonIs it not a fact that in some places this work is done by postmen, who simply tipple the money into a bag and have no more idea than the man in the moon where the money comes from?
§ Major TryonI cannot confirm the hon. Member's statement. This checking work is not done by postmen, in any case, but by the telephone staff.