HC Deb 03 August 1966 vol 733 cc128-9W
115. Mr. Oakes

asked the Postmaster-General whether any financial reward or other suitable recognition is given by his Department to members of the public whose reports of wilful damage to telephones in public kiosks lead to the apprehension and conviction of the criminal concerned.

Mr. Edward Short

Yes. Rewards are given to members of the public who render exceptional assistance in detecting or preventing crime committed against the Post Office.

Mr. Oakes

asked the Postmaster-General how many cases of damage to instruments and equipment in telephone kiosks in the area of the Bolton telephone exchange have been reported to him in 1965, and during the first six months of 1966; and what has been the cost of repairs to instruments and equipment during those periods due to wilful damage.

Mr. Edward Short

The information is as follows:—

Number of cases of damage Estimated cost of repair
£
April-December 1965 … 436 1,100
January-June 1966 … 202 650

January—March, 1965 figures are not readily available.