§ 11. Mr. O'Halloranasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what is the estimated cost of repairing and replacing damaged public telephone boxes due to vandalism in 1971; and if he will make a further statement as to what plans he has to combat this.
§ Mr. ChatawayAbout £525,000 in the 12 months to 30th September last. The Post Office is actively pursuing countermeasures. Research is continuing on further improvements to kiosks.
§ Mr. O'HalloranI am grateful to the Minister for that reply. Is he aware, as I and many other hon. Members are, that in some parts of London it is almost impossible to find a public telephone kiosk that works? Would he bear in mind the idea of installing kiosks in large council estates, where perhaps the public could keep a more watchful eye on them?
§ Mr. ChatawayThe Post Office pays close attention to the siting of kiosks in its attempts to reduce vandalism.
§ Mr. Arthur LewisHas the Minister considered the report that a system is possible whereby an entrance fee is put into the door before one can get in, the door is automatically locked and is not unlocked until one has used the telephone without damage, and therefore one would be automatically locked in if one tried to vandalise the telephone? We could then take action against the scoundrels who are causing this trouble. This is a feasible proposition.
§ Mr. ChatawayI am sure that the Post Office will take note of that suggestion, 1315 although I am sure it would be anxious to ensure that there was satisfactory means of exit.