asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many applications have been made for free telephones in the Hartlepool district up to the latest available date; how many have been granted; and what numbers of retired and disabled persons have been refused.

Information collected centrally is about services provided by social services authorities and I am unable to break this down in respect of non-metropolitan districts. My hon. Friend may, however, be able to obtain the information he seeks from the local authority concerned.