HC Deb 11 March 1953 vol 512 cc1276-7
22. Mr. G. Wilson

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General why the distribution of the Plymouth telephone directory, published in August, 1952, has been restricted; how many Cornish subscribers have not received a copy of this directory; and whether Cornish advertisers in this directory have been offered compensation in respect of the diminished circulation of this publication.

Mr. Gammans

The new issue of the Plymouth area telephone directory, which was sent automatically to business subscribers and new residential subscribers, was not sent to old residential subscribers, although, of course, they may have a copy if they ask for it. This is in line with recent practice in London and elsewhere, and I am pleased to say that public co-operation has resulted in considerable economy and saving of paper. Some 6,000 residential subscribers in Cornwall were affected. As regards compensation to advertisers, I would point out that their contracts do not stipulate the range of circulation of the directory.

Mr. Wilson

Surely it cannot be satisfactory to collect money from advertisers who suppose that directories will be distributed in the ordinary way when, in fact, they are not. Is not my hon. Friend aware that this has caused a good deal of ill feeling in Cornwall, and that the "Western Morning News" has already described this incident as a new phase in the cold war waged by the Post Office against the people of Cornwall?

Mr. Gammans

I am quite aware from what my hon. Friend has said on other occasions that I am not at the moment exactly a popular figure in Cornwall. I remind him, however, that in London alone this method last year saved us a quarter of a million pounds, and at a time when we are trying to hold down charges to the public we ought not to neglect an economy of this sort. Any private subscriber who wants a directory can get one by asking for it.

Mr. Hayman

Will the Minister make that clear by advertisement, because there are Members of this House who are subscribers in Cornwall who have not got a new directory? Will he also bear in mind that Cornishmen are tired of the Government's mean and petty economies and hope that he will try to induce the Government to be more generous in future?

Mr. Gammans

I think that the people of Cornwall would be even more tired of the Government if they put up the charges and did not try first to make economies. It is in that spirit that I hope the hon. Gentleman will accept this.

Mr. Hastings

Does the Minister's statement mean that we ordinary subscribers will get a new directory only if we ask for it? If so, how are we to know when new directories are available?

Mr. Gammans

Business subscribers and new subscribers get a new directory automatically; private subscribers get one if they ask for it. This system has been in operation for the last year, we have had very great co-operation from the public and, as a result, this saving in money.

Mr. Hastings

How are we to know when the directories are available?

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