HC Deb 06 July 1900 vol 85 cc789-90
MR. SAMUEL YOUNG (Cavan, E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, if he can state why the use of the old post office in Cootehill, county Cavan, has been discontinued; whether he is aware that the old office was confined to postal work, whilst the new office is part of an apothecary's shop; and can he say at what cost the fixtures of the office were removed, and by whom the cost will be borne.

MR. HANBURY

The use of the premises in which the post office business was formerly carried on at Cootehill has been discontinued because a new sub-postmaster has been appointed who docs not reside on those premises. The former sub-postmistress carried on no other business than that of the post office, whilst the new sub-postmaster is a chemist —but provides proper accommodation for the post office work. The question whether the fixtures formerly in use should be taken over by the new sub-postmaster is entirely a matter for arrangement between the former and present holder of the appointment.

MR. SAMUEL YOUNG

But why is the new postmaster to be allowed to carry on his business, whereas his predecessor had to give hers up and devote her whole time to the work of the post office?

MR. HANBURY

I am told that that is not the case, and that the late sub-postmistress had no business at all.