§ MR. SLOANTo ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that parcel post business in Belfast is being at present transacted in an old disused mill, the walls of which fell some years ago, that the premises are in an unsanitary condition and unprovided with lavatory accommodation, and are a menace to the health of the staff employed therein; and whether this arrangement was made with the approval of the medical officer.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) Owing to the breakdown of a hoist in the parcel sorting office at the head Post Office at Belfast, it became necessary on the 21st instant to conduct parcel sorting work in a portion of some premises known as Smithfield Mill, which are hired for storage and serve also for sorting purposes at Christmas time. It is expected that the hoist will be repaired, and the work retransferred to its proper quarters, at the end of this week. Although the lavatory accommodation in these emergency premises is perhaps hardly adequate, there is no evidence that the place is insanitary.