HC Deb 12 July 1917 vol 95 cc2114-5
91. Mr. P. WHITE

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is his intention to acquire the site of the ruined area lying between Henry Street and Princes Street in Dublin; whether he is aware that in the opinion of traders in Henry Street the extension of the post office buildings in that direction would ruin the trade and character of that street; whether, before any definite proceedings are taken, the local residents will be asked to express their views on the matter; and whether it was with the sanction of his office that a local agent got quotations for sites under threat of their being compulsorily acquired?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Illingworth)

The reconstruction of the General Post Office in Dublin is engaging my active consideration, but I am not yet able to say more than that I shall endeavour to give due weight to the wishes both of the citizens as a whole and of the residents in the district, about which I am well informed. I have not authorised any intimation that compulsory powers will be obtained, and I trust it will be possible to secure any additional ground required without resorting to compulsory purchase.