HC Deb 20 December 1972 vol 848 cc1312-3
12. Mr. Charles R. Morris

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will make a statement indicating his policy in relation to the renewal of the licence of the Hull Corporation to continue to operate a telephone system.

16. Mr. James Johnson

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will make a statement regarding his policy relating to the continued operation by the city of Kingston upon Hull of its telephone system.

Sir J. Eden

Hull's present Post Office licence does not expire until December 1977. The future of the Hull local telephone service will be in the first instance a matter for negotiation between the Post Office and the successors to the present Hull Corporation.

Mr. Morris

Is the Minister aware that, despite the achievements of the municipally controlled Hull telephone system and the justifiable pride in the system of my hon. Friends the Members for Kingston upon Hull, North (Mr. McNamara) and Kingston upon Hull. West (Mr. James Johnson), the reorganisation of local government will create a completely new situation? Is it likely to influence the Minister's thinking about the renewal of the licence?

Sir J. Eden

As I said, in the first instance this is entirely a matter for negotiation between the Post Office and the successors to the Hull Corporation. That is a perfectly proper procedure, and I must leave it at that.

Mr. James Johnson

Whatever the motives behind my hon. Friend's question and whatever the content of the Minister's answer, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the people of Hull and half a million Humbersiders not only enjoy this facility but are jealous of it and proud of it, and will stand by it for decades to come? Is he further aware that the exchange is not only more efficient than other exchanges but much cheaper, and gives amazing facilities such as bedtime tales for kiddies? It even gives the speeches of parliamentary candidates. Is the Minister aware that no one either in Humberside or outside wishes to change the existing system?

Sir J. Eden

All these are factors which will be fully taken into account in the negotiations.

Mr. McNamara

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I and my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull, East (Mr. Prescott) are subscribers to the Hull Corporation system, and use it? Is he further aware that there would be a great deal of resentment at any suggestion of removing this unique example of municipal socialism from the control of Hull Corporation? What we want is not an increase in the licence fee to the Post Office but royalties from the Post Office for the lead that we give to it in supplying services.

Sir J. Eden

Both hon. Gentlemen have properly paid tribute to the enterprising entrepreneurial spirit of an independent operation.