HC Deb 21 January 1959 vol 598 cc172-4
5. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Postmaster-General what further consideration has been given to the Post Office facilities in the city of Stoke-on-Trent since the visit to the city of the Assistant Postmaster-General; what action is intended; and what are the future prospects, with special reference to the outlying new housing centres.

Mr. K. Thompson

Since my visit a new sub-post office has been opened in New-stead; a temporary one has been opened in Ubberley to serve until a new Crown Office building is completed; the public office at Tunstall has been rebuilt; and the delivery office at Longton extended. We intend to extend the public office at Longton, and both the public office and the sorting office at Burslem. We shall, of course, continue to keep a close watch on the needs of the new housing estates as they develop.

Mr. Ellis Smith

While I appreciate what has taken place since the Assistant Postmaster-General visited the city, will he bear in mind that we are very concerned about the lack of facilities at Meir and put that on record so that it can be given top priority?

Mr. Thompson

I do not think I am in any doubt at all about the opinion of hon. Members and others concerning these facilities at Meir. Our own inquiries, including those which I carried out personally, lead me to believe that the services at present provided are adequate by modern standards.

6. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Postmaster-General if he will make a statement on the prospect of a new central post office for the city of Stoke-on-Trent; when the new building will be completed; and whether he will ensure that all modern ideas are introduced and the conveying of mail bags is arranged by conveyors to and from the trains.

Mr. K. Thompson

Negotiations are well advanced for a new site in Station Road, across the road from the present Post Office building. We plan to provide new public office facilities, as well as a modern sorting office, a postal garage and workshop. Planning is still at an early stage, as is the study of the arrangements for conveying mails to and from the station. A definite timetable for the scheme cannot be fixed just yet.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Will the Assistant Postmaster-General bear in mind that we have been very patient and that I was promised this before the war? Having regard to that patience, will he now treat this as a matter of urgency and ask his right hon. Friend to view it as a pilot scheme and introduce all modern devices to make it the most efficient in the country?

Mr. Thompson

I am aware of the somewhat tortuous progress that these negotiations have followed over the years. I think that the hon. Gentleman knows most of the reasons for that. We will do all that we can to see that this office is brought into use as soon as possible and as efficiently as possible.

7. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Postmaster-General if he will arrange for full consultations between his staff, the Ministry of Works, British Railways and the city of Stoke-on-Trent so that the most modern layout possible shall be made for the area leased by British Railways and at present occupied by the Post Office, and the site to be taken over for the new central post office near Stoke station.

Mr. K. Thompson

Yes, Sir.