§ 9. Mr. Alportasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the withdrawal of Post Office facilities from Langham and to the proposal to close the Post Office at Peldon; and what action he intends to take to ensure that proper Post Office facilities are available in both these villages.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsOwing to the resignation of the sub-postmistress, it was necessary temporarily to close the sub-post office at Langham on 25th February. It is hoped to re-open this sub-post office in new premises within the next two or three weeks. Meantime, a clerk from the Colchester Heal Post Office attends the village between the hours of 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Fridays for the payment of pensions and allow- 379 ances and the conduct of Post Office business generally. The hon. Member is under a misapprehension with regard to Peldon. The present sub-postmaster is resigning on 31st of this month, but a successor has been appointed to take up duty on 1st April in new premises quite near to the existing premises.
§ Mr. AlportIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great hardship involved for rural communities, particularly old age pensioners, as a result of any intermission in postal facilities? Would he bear in mind that one of the reasons why it is so difficult to get sub-postmasters in villages is the totally inadequate rate of remuneration which they receive at present?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThese rates are agreed between the Sub-Postmasters Federation and the Whitley Council. I agree that it is a hardship on old age pensioners, but we have taken special steps to try to relieve that hardship.