§ 9. Mr. F. M. Bennettasked the Postmaster-General whether he is now prepared to authorise the establishment of a sub-post office at Watcombe Estate, Torquay.
§ The Assistant Postmaster-General (Mr. C. J. M. Alport)Not, Sir, on the information available to me at present. If my hon. Friend has any further considerations to advance perhaps he will let me know.
§ Mr. BennettIs my hon. Friend aware that this matter has been pursued by both my predecessor and myself, over a period not of months only but of years, and that we have given very full information about it? Is he further aware, if he has not visited the locality, that Torquay, like Rome, is built on seven hills, and that the distances which the Department has fixed to be those between the post offices established there have no bearing on local considerations? Is he further aware that savings are being lost day by day because elderly people living in that area cannot climb up and down the hills to get to and from any of the post offices?
§ Mr. AlportThere are two post offices, each about half a mile away from the estate, and both of them at present give a satisfactory service. There is a good public transport service available between the estate and the post offices concerned.
§ Mr. BennettIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.