§ 12. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications to what extent entry into the European Economic Community will affect the British posts, telephone and telecommunications system so far as costs to the consumer are concerned; and to what extent he will be able to arrange for free and subsidised telephone services to retirement pensioners and the sick and disabled under existing European Economic Community regulations on Great Britain's entry.
§ Sir J. EdenOur entry will not involve any commitment to alter postal or telephone tariffs. Aid for the needy will continue to be a matter for the social services.
§ Mr. LewisIrrespective of what the EEC may say, can the Post Office and 488 the Minister carry out any form of subsidy, help and assistance without reference to the Community, such as is suggested in the Question to people of this sort? Would the Minister be able to take legislative action here without reference to the Community?
§ Sir J. EdenYes. This is primarily a matter, as the hon. Gentleman knows, for the social service departments, but this is certainly the case.