HC Deb 26 July 1927 vol 209 cc1016-7
34. Mr. GOSLING

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the lack of adequate postal and telegraph facilities for Spitalfields market and vicinity; and whether, seeing that a suitable site has been offered commensurate with the two millions reconstruction scheme for Spitalfields market, he will consider the establishment of an office similar to the offices serving Covent Garden and Billingsgate markets?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir William Mitchell-Thomson)

The Bishopsgate Branch Office has recently been moved to commodious premises which are situated less than 300 yards from the centre of the new Spitalfields market and 120 yards from its extremity. This office is open for the despatch of business from 8 a. m. and telegrams are delivered from Aldgate Branch Office. I do not think that these facilities are inadequate for present requirements or that I should be justified in incurring the expense of the erection of an additional Crown Office. As regards the side of the market opposite to Bishopsgate, there is at present a Scale Payment Sub-Office in Brushfield Street, and it is proposed to maintain an office of this kind in or near its present situation.

Mr. AMMON

Is it not a fact that the turnover at this particular Sub-office amounts to over £500, and was not that laid down as a condition of establishment by the Holt Committee, and has not the City of London also expressed a desire that there should be improved Post-Office accommodation here?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

I require notice of any particular figures. As to the amount of traffic there, the Bishopsgate Branch Office is quite conveniently situated for the purpose of the market.

Mr. AMMON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that not only advertisements appeared in the Press. but actually the Post Office went to the unusual length of issuing handbills asking people to put in tenders to have this Post Office, in which the emoluments are said to be £541 a year? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that those who—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member had better put those questions on the Paper.