HC Deb 27 February 1969 vol 778 cc1896-7
11. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Postmaster-General if he will introduce a system of concessionary telephone charges for retirement pensioners; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stonehouse

No, Sir. Much as I sympathise with the problems of retirement pensioners and others of limited means concessionary rates by the Post Office are not an appropriate answer to the problem.

Mr. Dempsey

Is the Postmaster-General aware that many persons on retiring require to give up telephones because their small pension together with their retirement pension renders them ineligible for social security assistance? As telephones are essential, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider this matter, because a telephone enables old folks to counter the effects of fear and loneliness which unfortunately are the companions of these senior citizens?

Mr. Stonehouse

I appreciate the importance of this Question and the sincerity with which the supplementary question is put. If we were to arrange a concession on this provision, other Post Office users would have to pay for it. The Supplementary Benefits Commission of the Department of Health and Social Security is prepared to give financial assistance for a phone installation where it is essential.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Will the Postmaster-General enter into discussion with the Department of Health and Social Security to see whether the bills of old-age pensioners up to a certain level could rank for supplementary pension over and above what they are receiving at the moment?

Mr. Stonehouse

I will discuss this matter with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.

Mr. George Jeger

Is not my right hon. Friend being thoroughly inconsistent about this when he repeatedly says that he is not in favour of concessions being given to one section of the population because other sections would have to pay for them? Is it within my right hon. Friend's recollection that he supported concessionary fares for old-age pensioners?

Mr. Stonehouse

I do not think that this is exactly the same parallel. The connection charge for a phone is about £150 on average, and it would be extremely expensive if we were to give a carte blanche guarantee that every old age pensioner in the country would have a phone connected. It would be a very great burden on all the other users.