HC Deb 31 August 1909 vol 10 cc175-7
Captain CRAIG

asked the Postmaster-General whether his further inquiries have satisfied him that the pig-sty at Collins-town is the only available accommodation for His Majesty's post office; whether the increased rent of £8 per annum for two prize cottages conveniently situated in the village was asked by the landlord for the first two years only, in order to cover the extra outlay necessitated by the alterations required by the authorities, amounting to £12, after which the rent was to be £5 10s. per annum; whether, in the interest of everyone concerned, he will reconsider his decision; and whether he can state if the pig-sty has a chimney?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Sydney Buxton)

I am satisfied that the newly-appointed sub-postmistress of Collinstown did her best to provide suitable premises for the post office. So far as the temporary office is inconvenient, it is due, as I explained the other day, to the action of the landlord of the district. As regards details, I have nothing to add to what I stated in the House the other day. I do not admit the accuracy of the description either of the present premises or of the cottages belonging to Colonel Smythe.

Captain CRAIG

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the landlord of these particular premises in the town also owns the particular pig-sty under discussion?

Mr. J. MacVEAGH

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the objection of the hon. and gallant Member is not to the postmaster's pig, but to his politics?

Mr. BUXTON

The reason why this particular office had to be opened in this particular spot is, as I have fully explained, that the landlord of the other houses declined to give an opportunity to the sub-postmistress. I am informed that these premises are not of the character described, and although they are not as good as I should desire they are the best we could obtain under the circumstances.

Captain CRAIG

Is it not a fact that the landlord of one set of houses is the same landlord who owns the other set of houses?

Mr. BUXTON

In this particular case the gentleman who has given the sub-postmistress the offer of these premises is, fortunately, not so much under the control of the landlord as the tenants of the other premises.

Mr. BELLOC

Surely the Government possess powers of coercion in a case of this kind?

Mr. BUXTON

No, I think not.