Children's Hospitals Association (Rental Charges)

HC Deb 23 January 1969 vol 776 cc650-1

25. Mr. Alison

asked the Postmaster-General if he will rescind the 65 per cent. increase in charges for the rental of land lines used by the Children's Broadcasting Association for Hospitals.

Mr. Stonehouse

No, Sir. I recognise the value of the Association's work, but I cannot vary charges according to the type of services provided by customers. The recent increases were necessary to reduce the loss on this service.

Mr. Alison

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware what an extremely unsatisfactory answer that is? Does he recall that he has already given some concessions, for example, to old-age pensioners in old people's homes, for television licences? Why cannot he temper the wind to this most needy of groups and come more into line with the prices and incomes policy?

Mr. Storehouse

I ask the hon. Member to realise that if the Post Office gives concessionary charges on welfare grounds it receives no subsidy for doing so, and other Post Office users have to pay the charge, and that is unfair.