§ 26. Mr. Willeyasked the Postmaster-General if he will state the grounds on which he considers that the Hylton Red House Estate, Sunderland, is adequately served by existing post offices.
§ The Assistant Postmaster-General (Mr. Kenneth Thompson)There are two post offices within a mile of the estate. These provide reasonably convenient facilities for the residents, and there are no special features which would demand more generous allotment of offices than is our practice on similar estates. We have to keep a careful watch on the costs of the service we provide.
§ Mr. WilleyI am obliged for that answer, but is the hon. Gentleman aware that there seems to be a dispute about the facts here? The corporation believes that the distance is greater than a mile? In view of this difference of opinion, will the Assistant Postmaster-General arrange for one of his officials to visit the area, with the local government officials, in order to reach a better decision, since the post office is very much wanted by the people on the new estate?
§ Mr. ThompsonI am sorry that there should be any dispute about the facts. We have gone into this very carefully, and the estate has been visited by officials of the Post Office. The distances have been measured. I will consider a further examination on the lines suggested by the hon. Gentleman.