HC Deb 02 February 1955 vol 536 cc1064-5
4. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many Post Office vans suitable for use or adaptation as mobile post offices are available in and around the city of Aberdeen; why these vans are reserved for occasional outdoor events such as shows; and why at least one of them is not being used as a mobile post office for the hilly and populous districts of Northfield and Mastrick, of which he has been informed by letter, during the winter and while waiting for permanent post office accommodation there.

Mr. Gammans

No post office vans suitable for use or adaptation as mobile post offices are available in and around Aberdeen. There are only three mobile post offices in the country as a whole, and the cost of using one of these for the purpose the hon. and learned Member has in mind would be prohibitive. I am, however, having immediate inquiries made to see whether some temporary means of providing counter services in the districts mentioned cannot be devised until permanent sub-offices are opened, and I shall write to the hon. and learned Member as soon as possible.

Mr. Hughes

I thank the Minister for the last sentence of his reply. But is it not invidious and wrong to divert the three mobile post offices—the only three in the country—to shows and purposes of that kind at the expense of districts which need post office service, and will he not remove one of the three to these two particular districts?

Mr. Gammans

These mobile post offices were constructed specifically for the purpose of shows, and the cost of using them for the purposes which the hon. and learned Gentleman has in mind would be extremely high. I hope that he will be satisfied with the assurance I have given him that I will look into this question and that as soon as I have a definite report on the matter I will write to him.

Mr. Hughes

Are these mobile vans not motor vans, and cannot they be driven to Aberdeen and used there instead of lying unused in the South?

Mr. Gammans

They can be driven anywhere, but, as I have told the hon. and learned Gentleman, the cost for the purpose he proposes is absolutely prohibitive.