HC Deb 08 November 1950 vol 480 cc926-7
31. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Postmaster-General what is the profit to the Post Office from providing deaf telephone subscribers with telephone amplifiers at 46s. a year; and if he will put the provision of telephone amplifiers out to public tender.

Mr. Ness Edwards

The charge for these amplifiers, which are purchased under competitive tender, is below the current costs of provision and maintenance. I am satisfied that the present arrangements for the provision of this service best serve the public interest.

Sir W. Smithers

Would it not be a good thing to try to get this service as cheaply as possible for these unfortunate people? By putting it out to public tender that would make it cheaper.

Mr. Ness Edwards

It is put out to public tender, and I regret to inform the House that I am losing a substantial sum of money on this already.

Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing

Would the Postmaster-General tell us whether he is arranging for an amplifier to amplify your voice, Mr. Speaker, so that it can be heard both down here and in the public gallery? There is a great feeling at the moment that the one person not successfully heard in this new House is Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Ness Edwards

That is not a matter for me; it is for Mr. Speaker.

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