HC Deb 26 October 1966 vol 734 cc1004-5
5. Mr. Maurice Macmillan

asked the Postmaster-General what provision there is under the existing regulations for the payment of compensation to those whose telephone service is interrupted for any reason whatsoever; and what proposals he has for varying those regulations.

Mr. Short

Under existing Regulations, which I do not propose to change, the Post Office is not liable for compensation in respect of interruption of telephone service.

Mr. Macmillan

Does not the Minister think that he might look at the problem again since the number of breakdowns and interruptions is increasing steadily, as is the number of shared lines? This is surely a reflection on the efficiency of the service as a whole, and if the right hon. Gentleman cannot provide the service, should he not think of compensating people who are affected by failure?

Mr. Short

I do not accept that we do not provide a service. We provide a first-rate service. There is no evidence that the number of breakdowns is increasing. In certain circumstances we make ex gratia payments, and in certain circumstances we give a rebate of the rental, but to do it whenever there is a breakdown would be impossible because the charge is about Is. a day.