§ Mr. Pavittasked the Postmaster-General how many amplified telephone handsets for deaf people have been installed during the last year to the latest convenient date; and what was the estimated additional revenue received for their installation and rental.
§ Mr. BevinsOur records do not give this information in detail. Approximately 5,000 amplifying telephone handsets were, however, issued from central stocks in the year ending September 1963. The present rental is 15s. a quarter, but as indicated in my reply to another Question by the hon. Member, I am reviewing the possibility of reducing this. No charge is made for fitting on a new installation, but the normal change-of-instrument charge of 30s. is payable when a special visit is necessary.
§ Mr. Pavittasked the Postmaster-General if he will provide partially deaf people with amplified telephone handsets on the same terms as those not amplified.
§ Mr. BevinsI have every sympathy with the special problems of the deaf, and I am glad to be able to help them in some way with the amplifying telephone handset. But I have to keep in mind the finances of the Post Office and ensure that our charges are economically sound. I am anxious to keep these charges as low as possible, and am reviewing the possibility of reducing the present rental of 15s. a quarter for an amplified telephone handset. I hope to be able to write to the hon. Member shortly.