§ 114. Mr. James A. Dunnasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the telephone vandalism which is causing concern to the police, health and fire service authorities of Liverpool and Merseyside; and whether he will take steps to remove the difficulties experienced by householders wishing to use the telephone to call upon the emergency services.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterMy right hon. Friend deplores these senseless acts of damage to telephone call offices in Liverpool and other cities which inconvenience the general public and could endanger lives in an emergency. We have already taken many steps to combat vandalism and are devising others. I cannot reveal specific details: but I must emphasise that this is as much a matter for local authorities, the police and individual members of the public as it is for the Post Office.
§ Mr. Tilneyasked the Postmaster-General what are his plans for an indestructible telephone kiosk.
§ Mr. BennIt is virtually impossible to make telephone equipment indestructible, and there are limits to the amount I should be justified in spending on strengthening the present equipment; but we have in hand a number of measures to combat willful damage. Meanwhile we are commissioning designs for a new telephone kiosk and the need to check vandalism will be a factor we shall take into full account.