asked the Postmaster-General what is the policy of his Department with regard to the provision of telephone kiosks in remote areas; and to what extent profitability is the main guide.

Proposals for more kiosks in remote areas are considered on the basis of need, the aim being to provide at least one kiosk within reasonable distance of every sizeable community. The loss on public telephones of £4¼ million last year is in effect a post office subsidy to meet the needs of all kiosk users.