HC Deb 12 May 1964 vol 695 cc215-6
27. Mr. Lipton

asked the Postmaster-General what plans he is making to give free telephones to elderly disabled persons.

Mr. Bevins

While I am sympathetic to the needs of elderly disabled people, I do not think that the provision of free telephones is the best way of meeting these needs.

Mr. Lipton

Since many old and disabled people are completely cut off from contact with the outside world, would it not be a boon if free telephones could be given to them, especially in view of the very generous offer which has been made by members of the Post Office Engineering Union to install and maintain these telephones free of charge in their own spare time?

Mr. Bevins

We have discussed the proposal of the Post Office Engineering Union with the union. What it had in mind was a very limited number of cases of people who were within eligibility for National Assistance. It is the fact, of course, that the National Assistance Board is prepared to help in certain cases in providing money for the provision of a telephone. We have had further talks with the Board and the question is presently under review.

Mr. Mason

Why does not the right hon. Gentleman, having expressed sympathy, conduct a survey to find out how widespread this problem really is and then, after consultation with the Post Office Engineering Union, which is very sympathetic to the idea, try to find out whether it is possible at least to assist with free installation or with rental-free telephones?

Mr. Bevins

The short answer to the hon. Gentleman is that the Government's view is that the right way to help elderly people is by cash payments rather than by free services.

Mr. Costain

Does my right hon. Friend recall that he was proposing to investigate the possibility of putting in alarm bells for elderly people? Has his Department made any progress in that direction?

Mr. Bevins

This is still under consideration. However, I must say that, once the Post Office departs from its traditional practice of charging for its services, the door is wide open and no one can say where the process might end.