HC Deb 30 April 1973 vol 855 cc774-5
4. Mr. Edwin Wainwright

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will give a general direction to the Post Office to grant concessionary telephone rentals to elderly citizens who are living on their own, and are not under the coverage of a wardens' system.

Sir J. Eden

No, Sir. Subsidised telephone charges, whether as a general scheme to help a certain group of sub scribers or financial assistance to individuals in need, are a matter for the social services.

Mr. Wainwright

Will the Minister show a little more compassion for people who are housebound, incapable of leaving their homes, living alone and having none of the privileges which obtain in a wardens' scheme? Does he agree that it is time the Government did something about it? It is no good his passing on the problem to some other Department.

Sir J. Eden

I agree that there are many people for whom a telephone or some similar means of communications is an essential link. I am not denying that. All I am saying is that the financing of such a scheme is a matter for discussion with the Department of Health and Social Security rather than with the Post Office.

Mr. Kinsey

I am sure that my right hon. Friend is aware of the need for handicapped people to have communication with the outside world. Will he use his good offices to intervene between the Department of Health and Social Security and the Post Office to give some help to people for not only rental but installation costs, which are denied to many handicapped people if they have a small amount of capital?

Sir J. Eden

The Post Office is willing to enter into discussions with the relevant authorities on these matters. As my hon. Friend knows, local welfare bodies have permissive powers to help certain people with the cost of a telephone, and they were given additional powers under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Per sons Act 1970 to provide telephones where appropriate. The Supplementary Benefits Commission may also consider claims for additional benefit to help towards the cost of a telephone. It is in these areas that work ought to be done.

Mr. Pavitt

If the Minister cannot make this concession, will he get rid of the monstrous situation in which a large percentage of old people have to pay more for installation charges if they are hard of hearing and need a transistorised hand set? Is it not time that such charges were reduced to the level that people without hearing disabilities have to pay?

Sir J. Eden

I understand the human problems which lie behind the questions by the hon. Gentleman and others who have raised these matters, but the fact remains that by virtue of the passing of the 1969 Act the Post Office was converted into a corporation. As such, it is expected to make its business pay and to cover its costs. Therefore, it must be conducted on that basis.