HC Deb 20 July 1908 vol 192 cc1443-4
MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)

To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the postmaster at Forest Gate, Essex, carries on business as a wine and spirit merchant; that the residents calling at the post office for the purpose of using the telephone are sent to the postmaster's premises where liquor is sold; and whether, in view of the fact that a number of the inhabitants have conscientious objections to enter these premises, he will make arrangements for the transference of the telephone to the post office.

(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) Presumably the office referred to by the hon. Member is that at Woodgrange Road, Forest Gate. The Post Office business is carried on in a stationer's shop. The sub-postmaster also sells wine and spirits on an off-licence in premises on the opposite side of the road and he has had the National Telephone Company's instrument installed there. I understand he is about to remove his post office and stationery business to other premises still unconnected with his wine and spirit business and that he is willing to transfer the National Telephone Company's instrument to these premises, but I cannot compel him to do so.