§ MR. COURTHOPE (Sussex, Rye)To ask the Postmaster-General whether the staff at Bexhill have complained for nearly two years of the unhealthy condition of the instrument room; whether the room was condemned by the chief medical officer to the Post Office in November, 1907; and whether, in view of the fact that there is an abnormal amount of sickness among those using the room, he will consider what improvements can be effected.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) I am not aware that there is an abnormal amount of sickness among the staff occupying the instrument room at the Bexhill sub-Post Office, but the room is admittedly cramped and difficult to ventilate, and the question of improving the accommodation of the office generally has been for some time under careful consideration. Difficulties have arisen, however, in regard to the acquisition of the additional land required for the purpose, with the result that some time may elapse before the scheme for permanent enlargement can be carried out. In the meantime I propose to authorise a temporary improvement of the accommodation for the instrument work, etc., by means of the appropriation for office purposes of part of the residence which has been vacated by the sub-postmaster.