HC Deb 07 March 1968 vol 760 cc638-9
30. Mr. Cordle

asked the Postmaster-General why he has decided to stop commercial advertising in telephone kiosks.

Mr. Edward Short

Because the contract is coming to an end and I am taking the opportunity to review the position and will write to the hon. Gentleman when I have done so.

Mr. Cordle

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how much revenue the G.P.O. is likely to lose from this venture? Does not he recognise the usefulness of the service provided by commercial advertising, and does he consider that a proportion would be advisable in the service?

Mr. Short

I have never said that we are ending advertising. The Press statement was put out by the firm whose contract is being ended. The figure is wrong. The revenue is £100,000 a year, and costs about £25,000. I am reviewing the position. We also run a business, and have to do advertising.