§ 62. Mr. CAIRNSasked the Postmaster-'General whether he is aware that the General Post Office for Ashington, Northumberland, with a population of 31,500, is situated in a back street, only accessible by descending steep and dangerous gradients; and whether, seeing that this Post Office is hopelessly inadequate in size and arrangement for the needs of the district, he will give this matter his attention?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Illingworth)As a result of the resignation of the Sub-Postmaster it was necessary to provide a combination of Army Huts for the accommodation of the Post Office at very short notice. On the information at present available, it would appear that the building, although admittedly of a temporary character, is adequate to the requirements, and that the position of the site, which was the only one available, is central, although its frontage is on a side street. I was not aware of the difficulties of access to which the hon. Member draws attention, but I am having inquiry made on the 1680 subject. I may add that the question of permanent accommodation for the Post Office at Ashington is under consideration, but I fear that it will not be possible to make such provision for some time.
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHI could not say at present.