§ MR. J. F. X. O'BRIEN (Cork)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that the business now transacted at the Cork Post Office is greater than it was 50 years ago, when the old post office was built. Whether he will grant a Return showing the relative number of transactions in that post office for a given period of three months in the year 1901, as compared with those of a similar period in 1851, in respect to the amount of correspondence, number of telegrams, money orders, and postal orders, and number of savings banks customers. And, whether, in view of the increase in all post office business, the postal authorities adhere to the proposed plans of the new building which show a reduction from 70 feet to 40 feet in the counter space available for public business.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe desired Return of the business at the Cork Post Office for the year 1851 cannot be given; but the present business is of course very much larger. The plans for the enlargement of the building were prepared to meet the increase of business. The difference in the counter space is not really so great as is suggested, for the available space at the present counters is 871 about 60 feet only, and much of that is of little use to the public; while the new office will have 54 feet of counter, including the separate parcels counter, at the whole of which the public can be served, so that it will be possible to attend to more persons at one time than at present,
§ MR. J. F. X. O'BRIENDoes the right hon Gentleman think the smaller counter space will be sufficient for the greater amount of business now done?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe available counter space will be larger, not smaller.
§ MR. FLYNNAs there is a difference of opinion on this matter between the architect of the Board of Works and the local architects, will the right hon. Gentleman send down an architect from Dublin to confer with the local architects?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI do not think any useful purpose would be served by any further inquiry. A complete inquiry had been made and I have had the advantage of seeing the alternative plans suggested.