HC Deb 28 February 1946 vol 419 cc2079-80
10. Captain Crowder

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he will reconsider the question of opening a Crown post office in Friern Barnet, in view of the present inadequate facilities available to the public in that district at the existing sub-offices, and the increased demand for postal facilities which has arisen during the last few years

The Assistant Postmaster-General (Mr. Burke)

There are seven sub-Post Offices in the Friern Barnet area, and a further 10 within about half a mile of its boundary. Few residents are more than half a mile from a post office, and the facilities are similar to those in other outlying London districts. I regret that difficulties in connection with manpower and material would preclude the provision of a Crown post office at the present time, but when these difficulties are eased the claims of Friern Barnet will be reviewed together with those of other areas.

Captain Crowder

Will the Minister bear in mind that this question of improving facilities was raised as long ago as 1937, and the fact that these sub-post offices are shut on early closing days does create a great deal of inconvenience to a very long suffering public in that area? Will he try to speed matters up?

Mr. Burke

I am aware that the position was considered before the war, and it will again be considered in relation to the needs of other areas.