§ Mr. Norman Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will issue a general direction to the Post Office stating that the economic viability of public telephones should not be the criterion against which installation is judged, and that wherever possible extra strong vandal-proof kiosks should be erected on all new housing estates as part of an estate's services.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldNo. Policy on the installation of public telephone kiosks is a matter for the Post Office. It consults the Post Office Users' National Council on the general criteria applied, and with the local authority on individual cases. The Post Office will have taken note of my hon. Friend's suggestions.