13. Mr. Leslie Haleasked the Postmaster-General for what reason it is necessary in writing to the Lancashire town of Chadderton to incorporate the name Oldham in the postal address.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsOldham is the post town for a large area of the urban district of Chadderton, and its inclusion in the postal address of that area is necessary for the speedy and efficient delivery of correspondence.
Mr. HaleAfter six months of desultory, discursive and distressing correspondence, could my hon. Friend tell me why, in view of the fact that the democratically-minded representatives of Chadderton have unanimously decided that this is detrimental to their interests, Chadderton could not be called Lancashire 17, 13 or 91, or give it some number, and let it have the individuality of the thriving industrial township which it is?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI imagine that other parts of my hon. Friend's constituency would raise very vigorous objections to that.
§ Mr. KeelingWill the Postmaster-General give an assurance that postal efficiency and convenience will never be sacrificed to Chadderton prejudice?
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonAre we to consider from this Question that there is something prejudicial in having Oldham connected with this name?
Mr. HaleWould my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the hon. Member for Oldham, West, is also the Member for Chadderton, which is a large thriving industrial township, which has a right to its identity, and which asks for that right? Will my right hon. Friend face this quite serious question that Oldham has nothing to do with Chadderton, and that, therefore, what Oldham thinks about Chadderton has nothing to do with the question at all; and will he not reconsider this matter?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsIf Chadderton is prepared to accept a less efficient service and delay in the delivery of letters, I would certainly be prepared to consider it.
16. Mr. L. Haleasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the practice of incorporating and requiring the incorporation in the postal address of some Lancashire towns of the name of the adjoining larger town is one which is to the disadvantage and detriment of the smaller towns; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThis practice, which is not confined to Lancashire, serves to ensure an efficient postal service and could only be changed to its detriment.