HC Deb 13 July 1949 vol 467 cc422-3
36. Mr. Sidney Shephard

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that on several occasions old age pensioners have been unable to draw their weekly money at the Post Office, East Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, owing to the postmaster having insufficient funds; and if he will take steps to remedy this state of affairs.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

I am informed that there is no recollection of any occasion when the funds available at the office named have been insufficient to meet the requirements of all old age pensioners; but there was a recent occasion, when the funds in hand consisted only of silver, when an agent of an old age pensioner refused to accept silver and demanded bank notes. The applicant was informed that bank notes would undoubtedly be available later in the day if she was not prepared to accept silver. Steps have been taken in an endeavour to ensure that bank notes as well as silver will form part of the funds in hand at this Post Office on all future occasions.

Mr. Shephard

I am sure there is some substance in this complaint, and I think it applies to many sub-post offices, but will the right hon. Gentleman look at it and see that postmasters, on whom he has placed so many responsibilities, are in a position to carry them out?

Mr. Paling

I am always willing to look at any problem brought to my notice.

Mr. Sydney Silverman

Does not my right hon. Friend think that the Opposition ought to join with us in welcoming this confidence in the £1 note?

Mr. Harrison

Will my right hon. Friend consider, once again, the possibility of providing villages with mobile post offices?

Mr. Paling

That is one of the questions which is being considered, but I do not know whether it will provide a solution.