§ 9. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Walter Smilesasked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he will consider adopting the same hours for the counter work in post offices in the United Kingdom as in Australia, where the hours are identical with those of commerce; and what would be the approximate saving in staff hours at the Post Office public counters if the hours of business at public counters were 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with a convenient half holiday.
§ Mr. GammansThe hours of business at most sub post offices are already closely related to those of shops. These offices are mostly open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. frequently with an hour's break at midday, and a weekly half holiday. Crown offices generally open from 8.30 a.m. to 6.30–7 p.m. on each weekday.
I regret that the information which my hon. and gallant Friend seeks cannot be obtained without detailed investigation; but quite apart from the fact that any reduction of hours at Crown offices would, I am convinced, lead to strong public protest, I doubt if any economy would result because of the increased staff which would be necessary, when the offices were open, to deal with the resultant congestion.