§ 43. Mr. HUTCHISONasked the Post master-General whether a postmaster is only empowered to alter a postal address with the consent of the ratepayers; how many postal addresses have been altered in the last two years; and whether in every case these alterations have been approved by the ratepayers concerned and, if there are any cases of over-riding, whether he can give the names of the places in question?
§ Sir K. WOODChanges of postal addresses are avoided as far as possible. They become necessary either as essential features of schemes for improving public facilities or in the interests of efficient administration. A postmaster has no arbitrary powers in the matter and, subject to the considerations mentioned, due regard is always paid to local opinion. The further particulars asked for by my hon. Friend are not immediately avail- 637 able, and their compilation would involve a measure of expense which I do not think would be justified.