§ 22 Mr. J. Rodgersasked the Postmaster-General (1) if he will give an estimate of the cost of establishing a sub-post office at Ditton, Kent;
(2) what factors are taken into account in deciding whether a village should have a sub-post office;
(3) why Ditton village has no post office, whereas neighbouring smaller villages have such facilities.
Dr. HillThe additional cost of opening a sub-office at Ditton would be about £200 a year. The size of the community and the distance from the nearest post office, taken together, are the main factors in deciding whether a new office is to be opened. I am looking again at the circumstances in Ditton.
§ Mr. RodgersIs the Postmaster-General aware that many of my constituents living at Ditton—including mothers and old-age pensioners—have to travel well over a mile to go to a post office? Is he further aware that they have been petitioning for a post office ever since 1913? Is he further aware that the population has more than doubled in that time, and will he, in the kindness of his heart, examine this matter again and grant a sub-post office?
§ Mr. H. HyndHave any representations been made by the hon. Gentleman to the bishop in that area?