§ Mr. Geoffrey Lloydasked the Postmaster-General what research he is undertaking into the causes of damage in telephone kiosks; and to what extent a study has been made of using more sturdily designed instruments and more simple means of securing the right connection, so as to minimise possible damage by those who may not have correctly read or understood the instructions for use.
§ Mr. StonehouseDamage in telephone kiosks is caused mainly by attempted theft and to a lesser extent by vandalism. We have tried various means of reducing vulnerability to attack. As a result of our tests we are now fitting strengthened cash and mechanism containers and toughened plastic handsets with steel-cored connections. All kiosks are being equipped as the new components become available.
The instructions were simplified recently. Already there has been a significant reduction in requests to operators for assistance.