HC Deb 19 January 1970 vol 794 cc20-1
24. Mr. Kenneth Lewis

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will give a general direction to the Post Office Board that, in re-pricing telephone calls when the sixpenny piece is abolished, they shall not allow the price to rise above its present level.

Mr. Stonehouse

No, Sir, but the Post Office will consult the Users' Council and me before introducing many major tariff changes.

Mr. Lewis

Yes, but is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, since the minimum price, which is equivalent to 6d., would be 1s. If there were an increase of that order, the fact that extra time is given will not help, and that it is absolutely essential that there should be a minimum charge for a minimum time on the telephone for people using public call boxes and so on, particularly those without their own telephones?

Mr. Stonehouse

The Post Office is aware of this and is arranging for the conversion of call boxes to take the 2 new pence piece, which is equivalent to 4.8 old pence. Therefore, I do not think that the fears being expressed about an automatic increase in the minimum rate charge in the call boxes are called for.

Mr. Barnett

Will my right hon. Friend consider making representations to the Chancellor that the sixpenny piece be retained?

Mr. Stonehouse

I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor, who is an avid reader of HANSARD, will note that point.