§ 4. Mr. W. R. Williamsasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the disorganised conditions which prevail in some of the larger telegraph centres as a result of the closing down of certain night appointed offices and the increased work arising from the Suez crisis; and what steps he proposes to take to correct the situation.
§ The Postmaster-General (Dr. Charles Hill)I assume that the hon. Member has particularly in mind the pressure of work which occurred at Bristol after the closing of the night appointed offices at Plymouth, Exeter and Bournemouth. My inquiries are not yet completed and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as I can.
§ Mr. WilliamsIn thanking the Postmaster-General for that information, which is not as full as the information which has been given to me from other quarters, may I ask two questions? First, 926 is he aware of the serious concern and interest which is felt in many quarters, especially among the staff in the telegraph service, about the very bleak future of the service? Secondly, will he examine every possible means, including, if necessary, a reduction in telegraph charges, with a view to bringing some stability into this vital telecommunications link which is so essential to the safety of the nation and its commercial and social life?
§ Dr. HillI am aware of the concern to which the hon. Member refers. I agree that a good deal has yet to be done to achieve stability. I have secured a market research report on the public needs through the Central Office of Information. I have just had a preliminary report. I am studying it, and I hope as a result of that examination to make some progress towards the stability to which the hon. Member referred.
§ Sir W. WakefieldIn view of the large number of telegrams which the Government have received in support of their policy, will my right hon. Friend consider reducing the price of telegrams for the rest of the season?