§ 71. Mr. Randallasked the Assistant Postmaster-General what is the total area available in the Limavaddy, Northern Ireland, post office, for the public counter and sorting office; what suitable space is available for welfare accommodation allocated to both sexes and to each grade; if he is aware that the accommodation and the office is much below the standard set by the department; and what action does he propose to take to see that the accommodation necessary for carrying out Post Office work is provided at the earliest possible moment.
§ Mr. BurkeThe areas of the public office and sorting office at the Limavaddy Post Office are 188 sq. ft. and 287 sq. ft. respectively. The welfare accommodation for the male staff consists of a retiring room of 55 sq. ft.; and the accommodation for the female staff consists of a cloakroom of 35 sq. ft. and a retiring room of 112 sq. ft. It is appreciated that the accommodation is below departmental standards for new buildings and the question of providing fresh accommodation has been in hand for some years. Arrangements are now well advanced for the purchase of a site for a new Post Office; and financial provision has been 569 made in the current buildings programme for the work to proceed when the site purchase has been completed.
§ Mr. RandallWhile I am glad to have that statement, may I ask if the Minister realises that this office really is a disgrace to the Post Office administration, and will drastic action be taken on this occasion, because we have had promises before, and will the matter be put in the front line of priorities in the building programme?
§ Mr. BurkeYes, but this has been going on for some time, and now we have taken active steps to alter it,