HC Deb 28 April 1898 vol 56 cc1378-9
MR. R. G. WEBSTER (St. Pancras, E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether, as the post office at Euston Square is now closed, and has been since 31st January, 1898, as stated by public notice, for temporary repairs, it is a fact that those repairs have not been commenced; whether the residents, travellers, and others who have used this post office for a considerable number of years have only facilities in a temporary office in the railway station at Euston, to buy stamps up to the value of 2s. 6d., and have no facilities for any other business as usually conducted at post offices, other than posting letters or sending telegrams; and if he proposes within a short period to remedy this inconvenience to the inhabitants and others using the post office in that locality?

MR. HANBURY

I regret that it is the case that the Euston Square Post Office has been closed since the 31st January, 1898, and that it has not been practicable to commence the alterations and improvements which are necessary, as there is a difference of opinion whether the Department, as tenant, or the Railway Company, as landlord, should bear the expense. It is hoped, however, that this matter will be settled shortly. In the meantime temporary arrangements have been made with the Railway Company for the sale of stamps and receipt of telegrams at their own telegraph office. And it is possible that, at this office, stamps of a higher value than 2s. 6d. are not kept for sale. The Postmaster General is sparing no effort to remedy the inconvenience.