HC Deb 29 November 1972 vol 847 cc402-3
7. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what progress has been made in providing vandal-proof telephone kiosks; and if he will make a statement.

Sir J. Eden

Out of a total of 76,000 kiosks, 52,000 have been fitted with strengthened equipment and nearly 3,700 are of the new, improved design.

Mr. Dempsey

But is the Minister aware that whole areas, especially in the west of Scotland, have been left bereft of the means of communication with the emergency services? How many of the vandal-proof kiosks have been provided in my part of Scotland?

Sir J. Eden

I am sorry that I cannot answer the detailed question which the hon. Gentleman asks about Scotland. However, the kiosks which are being introduced are what I might describe as "vandal-resistant" rather than vandal-proof. The programme shows that there has been a welcome diminution in the number of incidents of destruction of these important pieces of property.

Mr. Ian Lloyd

Does my right hon. Friend agree that however desirable it may be to make the kiosks both vandal-resistant and vandal-proof it is absurd to produce the type of kiosk now being installed at main British Railways termini, in which it is almost impossible to hear what is being said?

Sir J. Eden

I am sure that the Post Office will note what my hon. Friend has said.