HC Deb 03 April 1969 vol 781 cc144-5W
Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Postmaster-General how much investment in telephone kiosks represents; how much has been invested in telephone kiosks in each year since 1960; and what plans he has for future investment in kiosks.

Mr. Stonehouse

Following is the information:

Total investment in telephone kiosks and the equipment they contain (but excluding the associated lines and exchange equipment) is about £10 million. Investment for the years 1961–69 was approximately as follows:

Year ending 31st March £ million
1961 0.2
1962 0.3
1963 0.7
1964 0.7
1965 0.6
1966 0.3
1967 0.2
1968 0.4
1969 0.4

Future investment is likely to continue at about the present rate but depends upon the needs of housing and other development; the use made of existing facilities and the profitability of the service.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Postmaster-General what proportion of telephone kiosks run at a loss; and what is their total annual operating loss and the loss from theft and vandalism.

Mr. Stonehouse

In 1967–68 74 per cent.

The overall loss in that year was £1.5 million; loss attributable to theft was £48,000 and to vandalism, £360,000.

In 1968–69 the overall loss is expected to be £2.8 million.