HC Deb 17 December 1958 vol 597 cc1107-8
37. Mr. Farey-Jones

asked the Postmaster-General what progress has been made with the new design of telephone kiosk.

Mr. Marples

From three designs submitted I have selected that prepared by Neville Conder. A scale model of his design will be placed in the Upper Waiting Hall tomorrow. A number of new kiosks, based on Mr. Conder's design, will be erected in selected places. Development and manufacture will, however, take a little time. The public reaction will assist me in deciding whether the new design should become the standard for the future.

Mr. Farey-Jones

Could my right hon. Friend give the House a little more information about this matter? For instance, instead of pressing Button B and getting only 2d. back, will there be another button by which we can get the jackpot?

Mr. Marples

The kiosk and the coin box are two separate issues. A new coin box will be introduced as S.T.D. is introduced in various parts of the country, but the new kiosk will take both the old type coin box and the new. On the new coin box I am afraid that one does not get any money back at all.

Mr. Richard Williams

Before the Postmaster-General reaches a final decision about the new designs of telephone kiosks, will he look at some new designs in America and note their size and the material of which they are made, which is aluminium? Secondly, in considering the new design of telephone kiosks, will he make quite sure that they are big enough for men and women of above average proportions to be able to get into them?

Mr. Marples

I have already looked at kiosks all over Europe, and, of course, in the United States. What I particularly want in these kiosks is that they should be of a new material, instead of cast iron, so that the maintenance costs will be lower than the present costs. I want, above all, that people can breathe in them as well as talk.