HC Deb 09 November 1949 vol 469 cc1220-1
65. General Sir George Jeffreys

asked the Postmaster-General for what reasons Bentley and Grayshott parishes in the county of Hampshire have as their post-town Farnham, so that letters have to be addressed Farnham, Surrey; whether he is aware of the confusion so caused as these parishes are, for all local government, local taxation and police purposes, in the county of Hampshire; and whether he will cause Hampshire post-towns to be substituted for Farnham in these cases.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

The post-towns for Bentley and Grayshott are Farnham and Hindhead, respectively, because this arrangement has been considered to be in the best postal interests of the residents. I am not aware that the present postal arrangements for the areas concerned cause any confusion or inconvenience. The position is being reviewed and I will write to the hon. and gallant Member as soon as possible.

Sir G. Jeffreys

Will the right hon. Gentleman take it from me that it has caused confusion? Is he aware that the Ministry of Fuel and Power caused these parishes to be put into the region of Tunbridge Wells for their purposes—they hardly know where Tunbridge Wells is—and will he consider, first, the convenience of the inhabitants rather than the convenience of the Post Office.

Mr. Paling

I said I am reviewing the situation, and I will let the hon. and gallant Member know.

Mr. Nicholson

While not accepting my hon. and gallant Friend's estimate of the intelligence of his constituents—I am rather hurt by this Question—I have the honour to be associated with Farnham, and surely Farnham—

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member is not asking a question.

Mr. Keeling

Is the Postmaster-General aware that the confusion in Farnham is nothing compared with the confusion in Twickenham, which is in no less than eight different postal areas?