§ MR. H. S. NORTHCOTEasked the Postmaster General, If he is aware that the building of the new Exeter Post Office has not yet been commenced, although the site thereof was purchased last May; and, if he can explain the cause of this delay; if he is aware that the time necessary for the completion of the building is estimated at three years; if he is aware that during that term a considerable sum of money will have to be expended on temporary improvements to the present building, in consequence of the increased work likely to arise through contemplated Departmental changes; and, if the Post Office are satisfied that the new site is large enough to warrant the belief that no complaints of insufficient accommodation are likely to arise in future?
§ MR. FAWCETT, in reply, said, that the first plan drawn up for the new Post Office had been found not to provide sufficient accommodation. In consequence it had been necessary to prepare a revised plan, which was now under the consideration of the First Commissioner of Works. He could assure his hon. Friend that he had been careful to satisfy himself that the revised plan would provide sufficient accommodation. There would be as little delay as possible in building the new Post 1362 Office; and he did not anticipate that much expense would be incurred in making a temporary enlargement of the old Post Office.