§ MR. J. F. X. O'BRIEN (Cork)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury as representing the Postmaster General whether he can state what is the cause of the delay in rebuilding the Cork Post Office; what period has elapsed since work on the building was brought to a standstill; and when it will be resumed.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe Postmaster General is informed that there has been no stoppage in the work of enlarging the Head Post Office at Cork. While the iron girders and columns were being placed in position, the setting of the outside stone work could not be proceeded with; but that work was resumed more than a fortnight ago, and in the interval the stone work for the upper part of the building was being prepared. A large staff of men has been at work continuously since the building was begun.
§ MR. CREAN (Cork, S. E.)Is the hon. Gentleman aware that for close on two months there has been practically no work done on this building? 194 And has any attention been paid to the representations of any local authorities?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI have given all the information I possess.
§ MR. J. F. X. O'BRIENI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether any reply has been sent to the letter and report of the Cork Chamber of Commerce and Shipping, of November last, in reference to the alleged inadequate accommodation provided for the public, according to the proposed plans for the reconstructed post office building; and, if so, can he state the nature of the reply; is he aware that, in consequence of representations made by the Chamber on this point in November, 1900, to the Postmaster General and the Board of Works, an amended plan was prepared showing a larger floor space and increased counter length of about 20 feet; and will he explain why this plan was not adhered to by the Post Office authorities, having regard to the dissatisfaction in commercial circles and amongst the general public of Cork at the apparent intention to carry out the original plans.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINA reply has been sent to the letter from the Cork Chamber of Commerce and Shipping, of November last, stating that their further representations have been considered, and that the Board of Public Works sees no reason to modify their judgment that the plans suggested by the Chamber, for the further enlargement of the public office in the Head Post Office at Cork are impracticable. The Postmaster General also is satisfied that the office as it is being constructed, is large enough to meet the reasonable requirements of the public. The plan to which reference is made was never adopted. It was prepared simply to show what would be the effect of the alterations desired by the Chamber of Commerce.
§ MR. FLYNNIs the Postmaster General aware that two independent architects reported of this work that it could be carried on without risk 195 for £500, and that the contractors agreed to carry out amended plans for that small sum?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINIf the hon. Gentleman wants that Question answered, I must ask for notice.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINYes, they have given great attention to local representations. I am afraid, however, that I cannot hold out any hope that the decision which has been arrived at will be reversed.
§ MR. J. F. X. O'BRIENWould the people of Belfast have been treated as the people of Cork have been?
§ MR. J. F. X. O'BRIENIt arises in this way—