HC Deb 10 May 1972 vol 836 cc1303-4
24. Mr. Horam

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will issue a general direction to the Post Office instructing it to cease the practice of demanding a deposit from private sub- scribers in certain localities when they apply for a telephone to be installed.

Sir J. Eden

No, Sir. The decision to seek a deposit is a matter for the Post Office which, I understand, gives discretion to local managers in individual cases.

Mr. Horam

Does the Minister realise that this is discrimination of a most unfair kind when the charge for installation is now going up to £35 from £25 as from Monday, and that to demand a deposit in addition makes the cost almost prohibitive to the most needy of people?

Sir J. Eden

This is a difficult matter. One has to recognise that there is a very large amount of money outstanding as a result of bad debts. I know that this is a matter which is very closely watched, and I am sure that the Post Office uses its powers with maximum discretion.