HC Deb 12 March 1973 vol 852 cc872-4
13. Mr. Horam

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what progress has been made to date in providing public telephone kiosks which are vandal-proof.

20. Mr. Edward Taylor

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications how many public telephone kiosks are located in the United Kingdom; and what number of these are out of order in an average day from vandalism, or other reasons.

Sir J. Eden

Of a total of about 76,000 kiosks in the United Kingdom, 54,000 have been fitted with strengthened equipment. The number out of order for any reason in an average day is not known.

Mr. Horam

When will the new vandal-deterring kiosks be the norm throughout the country? What evidence is there that they significantly deter vandalism?

Sir J. Eden

I cannot say when the process of replacement will be completed. It will inevitably take a considerable time. I said that there was a total of 76,000 kiosks. About 4,000 of the new, improved design are in operation, so it will clearly take some time before the programme can be completed. The recent figures show a reduction in the number of incidents, but it is difficult to read too much into them, because over a period of time they tend to fluctuate.

Mr. Taylor

As my right hon. Friend has agreed that vandalism is a serious problem is it not rather ridiculous that he cannot give an estimate of the number of kiosks out of order on an average day? Surely, it must be possible to give some indication. Does not he agree that one way to reduce vandalism is to have public telephone kiosks in sheltered places, and that the foyer of a multi-storey block of flats would obviously be an ideal place? Will he reconsider the question whether we can help to reduce vandalism and improve the service to the public by having more kiosks in such blocks?

Sir J. Eden

As I said in answer to a previous question, it is a matter for the owners of premises to negotiate direct with the Post Office. I cannot give my hon. Friend the information about the number of telephone boxes out of order because of vandalism or for any associated reasons on an average day.

Mr. Taylor

Why not?

Sir J. Eden

Because it is a vast problem involving the collection of statistics, which it would be out of proportion to seek to have supplied to my Department. Surely my hon. Friend agrees that the best cure for such attacks on the property of the community is improved educational and local community services, to ensure that youths or others do not perpetrate such crimes.

Mr. Kelley

Will the Minister consider advising the Post Office to place a notice on all telephone kiosks pointing out that interference with the telephone could cost a human life? Is he aware that I believe that many people destroy telephones for kicks, and that if the facts of life were brought home to them by such a notice they might be prevented from doing this?

Sir J. Eden

In the light of the questions put to me today I will certainly discuss with the Post Office ways in which it can take account of the views of hon. Members and improve the safeguards it operates against vandalism.