§ 93. Mr. STURROCKasked the Postmaster-General whether he can now state the approximate date on which he anticipates the complete restoration of the prewar postal delivery service in the rural districts of Scotland; whether he is aware that the delay in resuming normal facilities is prejudicial to the renewal of prosperity over a wide tract of country; whether, in the case of Glenshee, no reduction of postal staff was made when deliveries were cut down to three per week; and why there is any further delay in improving the service in this and in other districts similarly situated?
§ Mr. PEASEThe restoration of facilities upon the pre-war scale in the rural districts of Scotland is, as my right hon. Friend stated in his reply to the hon. Member's question of the 3rd April last, being considered under general instructions applicable to the whole country. In many such cases restoration has already taken place, but in respect of each post the possibility and the date of restoration depend upon local circumstances and conditions. I will make inquiry into the ease of Glenshee, and will acquaint the hon. Member with the result.
§ 97. Mr. GRATTAN DOYLEasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware 338 of the inconvenience caused to the-business men and the general public in Newcastle-upon-Tyne by the inadequate posting and telegraph facilities at the General Post Office after eight o'clock p.m.; that letters can only be posted after that hour through an unsavoury alley-way 362 feet in length which is the resort of questionable characters; that telegrams can only be sent from the same alley-way in a basement which is reached by eighteen steep and slippery steps; and whether, seeing that the volume of business has increased through the closing of adjacent sub-offices, steps will be taken to remove the discontent caused by such an undesirable state of affairs?
§ Mr. PEASEI am having enquiry made into this matter, and will communicate with my hon. Friend later.