§ 43. Mr. Lipsonasked the Assistant Postmaster-General why it is proposed to give less postal facilities to the public than they enjoyed under previous.Governments by the decision to close three sub-post-offices in Cheltenham, Whaddon, St. Marks and Six Ways; and as this would result in inconvenience and hardship, particularly to elderly persons, if he will arrange for these three offices to continue to remain open.
§ Mr. BurkeThe decision to increase the standard distance between sub-post offices in towns to one mile was taken in 1939 and is being applied throughout the country. The closing of these three offices follows the resignation of the sub-postmaster or sub-postmistress. Each of these offices is within half a mile of a neighbouring office. My Noble Friend is sorry that he cannot agree to maintain the offices.
§ Mr. LipsonIs the Minister aware that since 1939 there have been queues at all post offices? Is this the timeto reduce the facilities of the public, particularly as two of these post office-; are on housing estates? Will not the Minister look at this with a fresh mind?
§ Mr. BurkeWithin one mile of the first of these places there are three post offices; within one mile of the second there are four, and within one mile of the third there are four also.
§ Mr. LipsonThere are queues at all of them.