§ 15. Mr. H. Hyndasked the Postmaster-General how many telephones were supplied to bookmakers during 1950.
§ Mr. HobsonThis information is not readily available, as our records do not distinguish between different types of business-rate subscribers.
§ Mr. HyndHas the attention of my hon. Friend been drawn to a Press advertisement by a West End bookmaker, who says that he has 200 telephones, manned by an efficient staff, and to that of a City bookmaker, who claims that he has 100 lines? In view of those facts, will he please decrease the supply of telephones to bookmakers and increase the supply to my constituents?
§ Mr. HobsonThe hon. Member is giving information, not asking for it.
Lieut-Commander Gurney Braith-waiteIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in my constituency—and I have written to his right hon. Friend about this— ministers of religion are still waiting for telephones? Should they not have them rather than bookmakers?
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)Many are called, but few are chosen.
§ Mr. HobsonIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman will let me have details of that position, I shall be only too happy to look into the matter.
§ Mr. HargreavesIs it the policy of my hon. Friend's Department to supply telephones to bookmakers rather than to other commercial or private interests?
§ Mr. HobsonThat matter is not in the Question.