HC Deb 20 May 1935 vol 302 cc6-7
17. Mr. JOHN RUTHERFORD

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the inconvenience and, in the case of old age and wound pensioners, hardship to traders and stall holders on Edmonton Green, as well as to the general public, particularly women who shop there, he will reconsider his decision to close the existing post office on the Green, at least so far as ordinary postage business is concerned?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir Kingsley Wood)

I regret that I cannot depart from the decision already conveyed to my hon. Friend.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is grave dissatisfaction in the district Is he aware that there is a railway line between the Green Post Office and the proposed new post office, with gates over a level-crossing which are closed a number of times a day, thus making it difficult for old age pensioners and others to get to the new office?

Sir K. WOOD

I must remind my hon. Friend that my Department is making adequate provision for this particular district. We are going to establish a Crown Office which I understand is only a furlong away from the locality to which my hon. Friend refers. The district council asked for it, and I think the establishment of a Crown Office is in keeping with the importance of the district.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the difficulty arises from the level-crossing, which is frequently closed? Is he further aware that a petition signed by over 6,000 people has been presented, and that a deputation has been received by an officer of his Department?

Sir K. WOOD

There is difficulty and in some cases hardship where an existing office has to be closed, and sometimes persons are affected, and one naturally has a good deal of sympathy with them, but in this case provision is being made for a Crown Office adequate to the needs of the district.

Mr. RUTHERFORD

Will the right hon. Gentleman do what he can to see that the employés in the Green Post Office have the first chance of employment in the new office?

Sir K. WOOD

I will think about that.