§ 38. Sir WILFRID SUGDENasked the Postmaster-General if he will reconsider his decision not to allow the post office in Hartlepool to transact any business, however vital and urgent, for any period whatever on Sundays, even though resolutions from public bodies, the local council, and from the inhabitants have been duly placed before him?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Viscount Wolmer)The representations referred to by my hon. Friend have been carefully considered, but my right hon. Friend regrets that he is unable to alter his decision. The amount of business transacted when the office was open was negligible and quite insufficient to justify the expense involved. Stamps are obtainable from an automatic machine outside the post office, and telegrams can be telephoned from a kiosk near the railway station, a few minutes' walk away.
§ Sir W. SUGDENWill my noble Friend bear in mind the hospital, and 625 the representations from the hospital with regard to the question of food, seeing that neither of the facilities that he has suggested covers the ground in respect of medicine or food?
§ Viscount WOLMERI have not received their representations, but I should like to consult with my hon. Friend on the matter.
§ Mr. MACKINDERAre we to understand that a public service is now to be measured by the amount of profit that is likely to be made?
§ Viscount WOLMERThe point about this particular post office is that we found that it was not being used on Sundays, and, therefore, it has been closed. There is, however, another office not very far off.
§ Mr. PALINGIs any arrangement made for filling these automatic machines on Sundays?
§ Viscount WOLMERYes, Sir.