HC Deb 05 November 1973 vol 863 cc597-8
13. Mr. Sydney Chapman

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecomunications if he will make a statement on the latest position with regard to the amount and cost of vandalism of telephone kiosks.

Sir J. Eden

The Post Office tells me that, although the cost of vandalism rose from £426,000 in 1971–72 to £473,000 in 1972–73, the number of incidents affecting the service declined from 29,000 in the quarter ending June 1972 to 20,000 for the same period this year.

Mr. Chapman

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for that information, but is he aware that telephone kiosk vandalism is of increasing annoyance and frustration to many people? Would he say how widespread is the introduction of the vandal-resistant kiosk? Is it, in fact, vandal resistant, and what consultations has the Post Office had with the Police following the promise to do so in reply to my hon. Friend, the Member for Nottingham, South (Mr. Fowler) in the House on 30th April?

Sir J. Eden

Consultations are constantly taking place on this matter. We are always trying to research into new ways of preventing damage from vandalism. So far about 4,000 kiosks of the new design are in service. Vandalism is extremely worrying and it is right that hon. Members should be exercised about it. To put the matter in perspective, they should know that less than one-tenth of 1 per cent. of all public telephone boxes are out of order.

Mr. Charles R. Morris

Can the Minister explain why the Post Office should have to carry on its accounts this financial burden of nearly half a million pounds yearly as a result of vandalism? Will the Minister look at this problem seriously and initiate discussions with local authorities to shift the burden to the communities where this vandalism is taking place?

Sir J. Eden

The Post Office recognises that it has a reponsibility to make the telephone service as widely available as possible, and that is why in the discharge of this duty it has willingly provided strengthened equipment in approximately 70 per cent. of the telephone boxes.