§ 25. Sir Austin Hudsonasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the telephones of all London hospitals become seriously congested on the day after the announcement in the Press or by the B.B.C. that a hospital has been bombed; that this is caused by messages from relatives and friends of patients and staff wishing to know whether that hospital is the one in question; to what extent this is making difficulties for his Department; and whether he will take steps to alleviate a state of affairs which is causing grave concern.
§ Captain CrookshankMy attention has not previously been called to this matter and no difficulties of the nature described by my hon. and gallant Friend have been brought to the notice of the Post Office. The public have throughout the war responded very well to the appeals made to them to refrain from telephonic inquiries after air raids, and I sincerely hope that they will continue to do so especially in the case of hospitals. The answer to the last part of the Question is that it would be of great assistance if hon. Members and their constituents would all co-operate at all times in trying to make a success of the "Telephone less" campaign which is now in full swing.
§ Sir A. HudsonWould the right hon. and gallant Gentleman confer with the Minister of Information on this matter, which is causing really grave concern to the hospitals?
§ Captain CrookshankI have no doubt we can have a conversation on the subject.