§ Mr. Ian Lloydasked the Postmaster-General (1) what is the total number of public telephones installed on platforms used by the public in British Railways stations, excluding telephones in the public concourse areas;
(2) what is the ratio of installed public telephones on platforms used by the public in British Railways stations to the total number of platforms so used, excluding telephones in the public concourse areas;
(3) if he will ensure that public telephones are installed on British Railways stations at which all staff are withdrawn before the arrival of the last train or trains serving such stations;
(4) what special steps are taken to ensure a high rate of serviceability of public telephones installed in British Railways stations.
§ Mr. MasonThere are about 3,000 kiosks on railway property but we do not keep records centrally of the sizes of the railway stations concerned. When considering the provision of kiosks at railway stations or elsewhere all relevant public needs are taken into account.
Kiosks at railway stations are inspected regularly and emergency attention is given to any which are reported faulty. Daily inspections are made at London, and other large termini, but less frequently elsewhere.