§ 1. Mr. Terry Davisasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications how many people are currently waiting for telephones.
§ 9. Mr. William Priceasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what is his latest estimate of the number of people waiting for the installation of a telephone.
§ Mr. DavisSince we have such a long waiting list for telephones, will the Minister give some attention to the priorities given by the Post Office in the allocation of telephones? In particular is he aware that, although the Post Office gives some priority to handicapped and housebound people, it does not give any priority to the relatives of housebound people? Does he agree that this reduces the revenue derived by the Post Office and the value of the telephone to housebound people because in some circumstances they can use it only to call a doctor, the police, the fire brigade or an ambulance?
§ Mr. ChatawayThe Post Office is anxious to do all it can to help those 1308 with special needs. I am sure that it will take note of what the hon. Gentleman has said.
§ Mr. GoldingWill the Minister consider increasing planned investment rather than reducing it as he announced at his last Question Time?
§ Mr. ChatawayAs I explained to the hon. Gentleman the last time I answered Questions, there is no question of a planned reduction of investment. There is a serious problem here which I have been discussing with the Post Office and I hope to make an announcement shortly about measures to deal with it.