§ 11. Mr. Kelleyasked the Postmaster-General in view of the unsatisfactory postal services now provided for the residents of the Hill Top Estate, Edlington, near Doncaster, if he will take immediate steps to establish a sub-post office on this estate.
§ Miss PikeI have reviewed the matter, but I am sorry that I should not be justified in opening an office on this estate.
§ Mr. KelleyIs the Assistant Postmaster-General aware of the terrible nature of the route to this post office and that many old people are compelled to use a hand-rail to climb a very steep hill to reach it? Is she aware that there has been much complaint about the late delivery of mail in this area, because of the interference with the postman's ordinary duties through his having to sell stamps, postal orders and other things? Is there not some ground for reviewing the Department's policy on the subject of sub-post offices because of this situation?
§ Miss PikeI know that the district is hilly and very difficult. Strictly speaking, the area would qualify as rural for postal deliveries, but it is very heavily built up and we have applied the more lavish urban scale to it. I know that the direct route to the post office is down a perilous hill, but there is an alternative route, 1,900 yards long, which is a flatter route, and there is a good bus service on it. I should like to keep the facility of the postman selling stamps and postal orders to the residents in that area. We shall keep the whole position under constant review, but I am afraid that at this point we are not justified in opening another office.