§ 10. Mr. Walkdenasked the Postmaster-General whether he will arrange to give local postmasters and sub-postmasters reasonable discretion in regard to the opening of post offices in times of emergency or special difficulty, such as arose on the arrival home of the British Expeditionary Force, when postal, telegraph and telephone facilities would not ordinarily be available?
§ The Postmaster-General (Mr. W. S. Morrison)During the period of the arrival home of the British Expeditionary Force, the head postmasters of a number of the towns affected, from which I have had reports, satisfactorily exercised their discretion, not only in regard to opening offices under their control during exceptional hours where this appeared to be necessary, but also in furnishing special facilities by other means. I am, however, considering the desirability of issuing further instructions.
§ Mr. WalkdenCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the instructions he has referred to were issued to sub-post offices as well as to principal post offices; and, if not, why not?
§ Mr. MorrisonOrders for exceptional opening of post offices and other exceptional facilities were granted generally to the postmaster in charge of the district.
§ Mr. WalkdenIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that main post offices are few in number compared with sub-post offices, which are numerous and are generally used? Were any instructions issued to sub-post offices?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe hon. Member must remember that the men were, for the most part, disembarked at places where a postmaster was in charge.