Kiosk (Old People's Estate, Norwich)

HC Deb 15 December 1965 vol 722 cc1255-6

3. Mr. Norwood

asked the Postmaster-General why he has refused to install a telephone kiosk in an old people's estate, Godric Place, Norwich.

Mr. Joseph Slater

There are already four telephone kiosks under half a mile from this estate and a fifth one is not justified for general use. It has been suggested to the Norwich City Council that it might rent a coin box installation for the special needs of this section of their community but it has not viewed the suggestion favourably. I think this might be discussed further with the Council.

Mr. Norwood

Is my hon. Friend aware that this is a profoundly unsatisfactory reply? Is he suggesting that a responsibility of the Post Office should be transferred to the Norwich Corporation? I would point out to him——

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Member must ask.

Mr. Norwood

May I ask my hon. Friend whether he appreciates that there are 106 dwellings on this estate occupied almost entirely by elderly people and in addition a further 27 houses and 24 flats nearby which could quite easily use this kiosk?

Mr. Slater

At the moment the Post Office is already subsidising kiosk users generally. It did so to the extent of £4¼ million last year. This is a tremendous burden to carry. We are not seeking to persuade the Norwich authorities to subsidise the Post Office.