HC Deb 03 March 1954 vol 524 cc1176-7
40. Mr. Pannell

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the telephone kiosk situated at the junction of the four cross roads at Moor Top, New Farnley, opposite the Wood Cock Inn, which is within the Leeds boundary, is connected to the Drighlington Exchange; whether he is further aware of the confusion that has arisen to the advantage of thieves by the present arrangement; and whether in these circumstances he will have this telephone connected to the Leeds Exchange for contact with the headquarters of the Leeds Police Force.

Mr. Gammans

Municipal and telephone boundaries seldom coincide, and arrangements are made locally to obviate difficulties over emergency calls. In the case of the Moor Top kiosk, a 999 call to the police is connected to the Morley Police Station in the West Riding, who pass the information to the Leeds City Police if necessary. This arrangement usually works very well, but if the hon. Member will let me have full details of this incident, I will have it fully investigated.

Mr. Pannell

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I sent him the original letter, or a copy, which I received from the local community centre? Will he give consideration to the argument that it is reasonable that ratepayers within the city of Leeds, even if they live in the rural outskirts, should have access to the police force for which they pay rates? Is he aware that when 999 has been dialled, the demand for the insertion of three pennies has resulted in the escape of burglars on at least one occasion?

Mr. Gammans

I agree with much of what the hon. Gentleman says, but we have been unable to trace the incident to which he refers. Collaboration between the two police forces has worked excellently in the past.