Western District Office

HC Deb 21 May 1958 vol 588 cc1274-5

12. Mr. C. R. Hobson

asked the Postmaster-General what progress has been made in the erection of the new Western District Office.

Mr. Marples

The first stage, namely the sinking of the shaft and the extension of the Post Office railway, is well up to schedule. We plan to start work on the building itself as soon as this is finished—probably at the end of October.

Mr. Hobson

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to see whether this work can be accelerated, in view of the very cramped conditions existing in the Western District Office and the tremendous amount of mail order business which has now been transferred there from the City? Can he do something to expedite the matter?

Mr. Marples

I agree with the hon. Member that the present premises are hopelessly inadequate, but the contract has been let and the work is proceeding smoothly according to that contract and keeping up to time. Any acceleration of a contract which has been let normally tends to be a very expensive process and perhaps not worth it in the long run.