HC Deb 25 January 1968 vol 757 cc576-7
13. Mr. Jopling

asked the Postmaster-General if he will extend the telephone service to enable callers to dial for a news report, sporting and racing results, stock exchange prices and other matters of public interest.

Mr. Joseph Slater

The possibility of extending the Telephone Information Services is kept under review and my right hon. Friend will bear the hon. Gentleman's suggestion in mind. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the present services.

Mr. Jopling

That is the answer which we always get from the hon. Gentleman. Does he not agree that this would be a most valuable additional service which would be much more helpful to the public than having to rely on the type of service coming over broadcasting systems probably no more than once an hour and in some cases only one or twice a day? Would it not be much more readily available?

Mr. Slater

I thought that my answer was adequate and that the hon. Gentleman would be satisfied. My right hon. Friend is giving every consideration to his application.

Mr. William Price

Is my hon. Friend aware that newspapers, radio and television are already available for the dispensing of news?

Following is the list:

  1. Speaking Clock.
  2. Weather.
  3. Road weather.
  4. Recipe.
  5. Teletourist.
  6. Test Match Information.
  7. Dial a Disc (recently introduced).