§ Mr. JOHN WOODasked the Postmaster-General whether he can state upon what grounds the post office at Dukinfield has been closed to the public at 8 p.m. instead of remaining open, as hitherto, until 9 p.m.; whether he is aware that the town council of the borough have unanimously disapproved of this action on the part of the postal authorities; whether he is also aware that such curtailment of the hours of business inflicts inconvenience and loss upon the inhabitants by compelling them to go a considerable distance for any postal business; and whether he will take steps to ensure that the postal facilities previously enjoyed shall be restored?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe post office at Dukinfield has been closed at 8 p.m. because the amount of business transacted after that hour was not sufficient to warrant the extended hours formerly in force. Representations received from the town council were placed before me and have received due consideration. In view of the small amount of business formerly transacted after 8 p.m. I do not think that any real inconvenience will be experienced as soon as the public become accustomed to the change. The result has been merely to bring Dukinfield into line with other offices of about the same standing, and I regret that I cannot see my way to grant the hon. Member's request.