HC Deb 04 March 1959 vol 601 cc434-5
40. Mr. J. Hynd

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has now given full consideration to the proposal for establishing a sub-post office in the shopping centre at Stradbroke Drive, Strad-broke Estate, Sheffield, in view of the special considerations applying in this district, in particular, the large number of old-age pensioners.

Mr. K. Thompson

I have considered this proposal very carefully but I am sorry I should not be justified in meeting the hon. Member's wishes.

Mr. Hynd

Is the Postmaster-General allowing himself to be tied to red tape in these matters? Is the Assistant Postmaster-General aware that, although this area may be within a mile or three-quarters of a mile of the next nearest post office, it is in a very special situation? It is an old persons' community, and it is a great hardship for them to have to travel the distances which they have to travel to collect their pensions and do other business at the post office?

Mr. Thompson

I went into all those details in considering the application. There is less than half a mile between the suggested site for this office and the nearest existing office, which is no great hardship and is well below the average standard.