§ 4. Mr. Juddasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications which organisations have now written to him asking him to give a general direction to the Post Office to grant concessionary telephone rentals to registered charities; and what replies he has sent.
§ Sir J. EdenNone, Sir.
§ Mr. JuddIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that charities are treated as businesses and it is absolutely ridiculous when by definition they are not operating for profit? Is he aware that certain charities, such as the Samaritans, use the telephone as an essential part of the work they do and face particular difficulties in this respect, frequently operating from private homes? Why cannot there be a special category for charities or social services with, if necessary, a Government subsidy to compensate the Post Office for loss of revenue?
§ Sir J. EdenI do not think it would be right to impose welfare responsibilities on a business organisation such as the Post Office or, for that matter, on other nationalised industries. This has been the view of successive Governments. In any case there is the opportunity to provide aid for telephone charges to those in need through the social services.