HC Deb 21 March 1922 vol 152 cc245-6
83. Major McMICKING

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a resident tenant farmer, living 4¾ miles from Bargrennan post office, in Galloway, and paying a yearly rent of £1,084, Income Tax £430, local (occupier's) rates £76, together with his shepherds and workpeople, can only get a delivery of letters on three days a week; and will he take steps to restore the pre-War postal facilities to Palgown?

The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Pike Pease)

This case has been fully considered. I regret that, in view of the expense which would be involved, and of the very small amount of correspondence which would benefit, I am unable to meet my hon. and gallant Friend's wishes.

Major McMICKING

Is my right hon. Friend aware that inadequate postal facilities in rural districts create a sense of isolation, which tends to encourage migration to the towns; and will he decline to sanction further postal facilities in urban areas until people carrying on their business in the country, within reasonable distance of a post office, can have a daily delivery of letters?

Mr. PEASE

As the hon. Member knows, the Postmaster-General has gone very carefully into this question on more than one occasion, but it is not a paying proposition. That is why it has not been adopted.

Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAY

Is not this a crying grievance in many isolated parts of Scotland?

Mr. PEASE

It is, naturally, a grievance, but we have to look at the matter from the whole point of view.

Dr. MURRAY

What have you done with the £10,000,000?