§ 34 and 35. Mr. Emeryasked the Postmaster-General (1) the total value of all land and buildings owned by his Department; and how much of this is fully utilised;
(2) what percentage of his Department's property is scheduled for improvement, modernisation, and expansion.
§ Miss PikeThe Commercial Accounts show that the net book value of Post Office land, buildings and accommodation plant as £133.5 million at 31st March, 1960. In virtually all cases this is fully utilised or earmarked for future use. I cannot say what percentage of Post Office property is scheduled for improvement, modernisation and extension, but capital expenditure last year in connection with buildings was equal to about 10 per cent. of the book value of the property.
§ Mr. EmeryI thank my hon. Friend for that reply. May I ask whether she would consider, and get her right hon. Friend to consider, the point that in the expansion of Post Office property all sites should be used to the full? In connection with certain expansions throughout the country, will she bear in mind that 400 greater economic use might be made of certain sites which, even if the Post Office cannot use them, might well be leased to bring further income to the Post Office account?
§ Mr. W. R. WilliamsWill the hon. Lady assure the House that the first consideration of herself and her right hon. Friend will be to see that the Post Office as a service has adequate accommodation for its work?