§ 40. Earl WINTERTONasked the Post master-General if his attention has been called to the damage done to the road between Billingshurst and Pulborough by the heavy Post Office motor van conveying the mails from London to the South Coast; whether he is aware that this road is a district council road in a purely agricultural district; and whether the Post Office will make any contribution to the district council concerned in respect of damage done?
§ Captain NORTONThe motor vans used for the conveyance of mails from London to Portsmouth via Billingshurst and Pulborough are owned by a private firm which performs the service under contract, and it is to them that any application in respect of alleged damage to the-roads should be made.
§ Lord A. THYNNEWill the hon. Member kindly say whether the Post Office will accept or consider a claim for damage to this road by the heavy motor vans used under contract for Post Office work?
§ Captain NORTONNo, Sir; the Post Office cannot do that.
§ Sir R. ESSEXDoes the Post Office admit that the damage is done by these vans only or principally?
§ Captain NORTONNo, Sir; the Post Office admits nothing.
§ Mr. JOHN O'CONNORIs this not a proper subject for the consideration of the Road Board, and is it not a fact that the Road Board has £1,000,000 in hand and does not know what to do with it?
§ Captain NORTONThat is not a matter for the Post Office.
§ Lord A. THYNNEI would like to ask whether the contractors, under their contract, are not obliged to use these specially heavy vans, and whether firms dealing in other matters which use similar vans do not have to pay in regard to extra traffic?
§ Captain NORTONI must have notice of that question.