§ Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what is the estimated cost to the Post Office of maintaining telephone rental charges, in respect of houses where a retirement pensioner resides, at their present level.
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§ Mr. StonehouseIt is for the Post Office to formulate final proposals for tariff charges in consultation with the Post Office Users' National Council, and I regret I cannot make an estimate.
§ Mr. Bryant Godman Irvineasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will introduce legislation to provide a social grant to the Post Office to relieve those living alone and on retirement pensions from increased telephone charges.
§ Mr. StonehouseNo. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Joint Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security on 13th April to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Edgbaston (Mrs. Knight).—[Vol. 799, c. 1000–1.]