§ 38. Mr. Bryanasked the Postmaster-General when the new system of telephone directories proposed for the London area was discussed with the Greater London Council; and whether it received the Council's support.
§ Mr. StonehouseThe Post Office's proposals were sent to the Council in October, 1966, with an invitation to comment. The reply offered no objection, and suggested how the Council's entries should be listed.
§ Mr. BryanIs the right hon. Gentleman ware that on 25th June the Chairman of the General Purposes Committee of the G.L.C. said that no views whatsoever had been expressed on this subject and certainly that no approval had been given?
§ Mr. StonehouseThe Council officials were asked for their views and raised 1659 no objection. In the last week there has been very close consultation between my officials and representatives of the G.L.C., and again no fundamental objections have been raised. I think that there has been an attempt to play up this question. Some of this has been a little artificial. In view of the public concern, I have asked representatives, not only of the G.L.C., but of all the borough authorities, as well as of the consumer organisations affected, to meet me next week to discuss the whole proposal.
§ Mr. RichardMay we take it hopefully that my right hon. Friend is now reviewing the previous proposals made by his predecessor?
§ Mr. StonehouseYes, I am reviewing those proposals and I want to reach a decision which is in the interests, not only of the Post Office, but of all our subscribers.
§ Mr. BryanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his predecessor used the expression—"and received their support"?
§ Mr. StonehouseThe proposals did not encourage any objection from the Council. My right hon. Friend, therefore—I think rightly—assumed that they were being supported by the Council.