HC Deb 29 April 1901 vol 93 cc74-6
MR. J. F. X. O'BRIEN

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that in the sorting office and parcel office at Cork the supervision of work and staff is at certain hours attached to ordinary duties, and that it sometimes happens that a junior is placed in charge of his seniors; and, considering that the matter has been reported to the Postmaster General, whether steps are being taken to make the supervising staff made adequate.

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

No representation on this subject has reached the Postmaster General, but inquiry is being made, and the result shall be communicated to the hon. Member.

MR. J. F. X. O'BRIEN

Has the Postmaster General received no communication from the local postmaster?

MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)

Did not a deputation wait on the Postmaster General, or his representative in Dublin, with reference to this matter?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

That may be so. If so, there is an error in the question. As I have said, the Postmaster General has himself received no representation, but he is making inquiries.

*MR. J. F. X. O'BRIEN

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he has received a copy of a resolution passed at the last meeting of the Cork Incorporated Chamber of Commerce and Shipping in reference to the need of better and larger accommodation than is planned for the public in the enlarged Post Office buildings in course of erection in Cork; and, whether, in view of the complaints of the commercial classes and general public as to inadequate accommodation, the postal authorities will give immediate consideration to this matter and provide that the plans as revised will be carried out.

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

The Postmaster General has received a copy of the resolution referred to. The enlargement of the public office in the Cork Post Office, which the Chamber of Commerce desire, would involve a very large increase of expense and would probably endanger the stability of the structure. It is considered that the public office as planned will afford ample accommodation; but in order to meet the views of the Chamber of Commerce as far as possible it has been arranged to provide a separate counter for parcels on the Pembroke Street side of the building.

*MR. J. F. X. O'BRIEN

Seeing that the increase would only cost £5,000, do the Government think that too much to provide a suitable office for Cork?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

We intend to provide a suitable office.

*MR. J. F. X. O'BRIEN

But whose opinion is to be taken as to the suitability?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

The Postmaster General's.

*MR. J. F. X. O'BRIEN

I say local opinion should be the guide.