§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will issue a general direction to British Telecom that will ensure public telephone kiosks in rural areas will not be closed according to a fixed level of loss-making.
§ Mr. WakehamNo. The provision of telephone kiosks is a matter for British Telecom's own judgment. The hon. Member will be aware that where a kiosk's annual takings are below £140—as compared with the average annual cost of running a kiosk of £2, 000—British Telecom's policy is to approach the local authority for a contribution. This policy is supported by the Post Office Users National Council.