HC Deb 16 March 1970 vol 798 cc18-20
30. and 31. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications (1) if he will give a general direction to the Post Office to ensure that telephone kiosks are kept in a clean condition;

(2) if he will give a general direction to the Post Office to keep public telephone units in working condition.

Mr. Stonehouse

These are matters for the Post Office.

Mr. Dalyell

Is my right hon. Friend aware that our quarrel is not with the Post Office or its employees, who have unpleasant tasks; the question for Parliament is whether there should be legislation concerning those who use these kiosks as public conveniences? Will he also bear in mind the plight of those who may urgently need to use a telephone for medical purposes only to find that it has been put out of operation by vandals?

Mr. Stonehouse

I am aware that this is a serious question. The Post Office is very concerned about it. I know that it will be exploring ways of dealing with the misuse of these kiosks.

Dame Irene Ward

Is the Minister aware that my constituents are simply fed up with telephone boxes being out of operation? Will he make representations to the Home Secretary so that an enormous—and I mean enormous—fine can be imposed on vandals? That might have some effect in maintaining our telephones in operation for their proper purpose.

Mr. Stonehouse

I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary will take note of that suggestion.

Dame Irene Ward

You do it!

34. Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will give a general direction to the Post Office Board to take full account of the needs of the old and the disabled in the siting of telephone kiosks.

Mr. Stonehouse

No, Sir. A direction would not be appropriate.

Mr. Morris

While I appreciate and understand my right hon. Friend's difficulty on the constitutional point, will he at least agree to draw the attention of Lord Hall to the importance of my general point and, in particular, the case in the Baguley Ward of Manchester about which I have been making representations?

Mr. Stonehouse

I am aware of the intense personal interest that my hon. Friend has taken in this case. I know that he has discussed it with the Post Office officials concerned, and I advise him to continue this line of inquiry as it is not a responsibility of mine.