§ 21. Mr. Tilneyasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will give a general direction to the Post Office to install public telephones in places like community centres where they can be reasonably protected against vandalism, and available to the public for long periods, though not for 24 hours.
§ Mr. ChatawayNo, Sir. The siting of public telephones is a management matter for the Post Office, but I am sure that it will take note of my hon. Friend's suggestion.
§ Mr. TilneyAs I was at one time P.P.S. to a former Postmaster-General, may I add my congratulations to my right hon. Friend on his appointment? Is he aware that people in Liverpool must walk very long distances to find a kiosk in which the telephone is not out of order due to vandalism and that many would prefer a telephone which is in order for 14 hours a day rather than one which is useless for 24 hours a day?
§ Mr. ChatawayI accept my hon. Friend's remarks and I know that the Post Office is not satisfied with the present position, with vandalism costing about £500,000 a year.