HC Deb 15 February 1971 vol 811 cc1176-7
8. Dr. Gilbert

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will give a general direction to the Post Office that it ensures that all public telephone kiosks are adapted to take incoming calls.

Mr. Chataway

This should remain a matter for the Post Office, and I understand that this facility is generally available.

Dr. Gilbert

Will the right hon. Gentleman accept from me that it is not generally available and that its lack often causes great inconvenience, particularly in country areas, when people run out of coins in a call-box and do not have credit cards? If he is not prepared to make a general direction of this nature, will he ask the Post Office at least to indicate inside a call-box whether it is one which will accept in-coming calls?

Mr. Chataway

I am sure that the Board will take note of the hon. Gentleman's comment.

Mr. Adley

Will my right hon. Friend consider this suggestion, because it is not only people in country areas who are concerned but people who are on the waiting lists for telephones, for many of whom this is the only means of communication? Is it not clearly a deliberate act of policy by the Post Office to make call-boxes inoperative for in-coming calls? These calls can still be received by picking up the telephone, although the bell does not ring because the ringing tone has been removed.

Mr. Chataway

I am told by the Post Office that the facility is generally available, but it is barred where, for instance, a nuisance has been caused by an individual monopolising the kiosk to the exclusion of people waiting outside. It is only in particular circumstances that the facility has been denied, but I am sure that the Board will take note of what has been said this afternoon.