HC Deb 24 November 1969 vol 792 cc14-5W
48. Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he is aware of the increased charges for LST 5 equipment; if he will give a general direction to the Post Office to reduce these charges because of the hardship they are imposing on disabled people; and if he will make a statement.

49. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will give a general direction to the Post Office to ensure that the severely disabled who need a specially adapted telephone will not be charged a higher rental than normal telephone users.

51. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will issue a general direction to the Post Office Corporation to provide special telephone equipment needed by severely disabled persons without additional charges.

56. Mr. Onslow

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will issue a general direction to the Post Office Board to relieve the severely disabled from the cost of the proposed increase in Post Office charges for the rental of telephones specially adapted for use with Possum equipment.

Mr. Stonehouse

As with other nationalised industries, it would not be appropriate to use the Post Office as an agency for giving financial assistance on welfare grounds. I am informed by the Post Office that there has been no recent increase in charges for the special equipment referred to.