HC Deb 15 June 1955 vol 542 cc566-7
12. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the Government's promise, made on 22nd December, 1954, to open a sub-post office in the large and rapidly growing residential areas of Northfield and Mastrick in Aberdeen has not yet been fulfilled; that two separate post offices, one for each area, with public telephone facilities, are required; and if he will take urgent steps to provide these post offices.

Dr. Hill

Applications for the sub-postmastership in the Northfield area were invited as soon as the new shops were purchased and without waiting for them to open: it is hoped to open a sub-office there very shortly. Applications will be invited in the Mastrick area as soon as there are any shop owners who can be invited to apply—probably early next month.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Minister not realise that this procrastination is imposing a great hardship on thousands of people who are entitled to better treatment? Will he take steps to see that the promise given by the Government in December is promptly fulfilled?

Dr. Hill

There cannot be a sub-post office opened until the shops are there in which to install it.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Minister not aware that some shops are there already?