HC Deb 17 February 1960 vol 617 cc1286-7
46 and 47. Mr. Slater

asked the Postmaster-General (1) in view of the postal distribution over a wide area from the Ferryhill Station centre, if he will give further consideration to the need for a Crown Post Office in this area;

(2) what is the radius covered by the Ferryhill Station centre for postal distribution; how such area compares with 10 years ago; and what percentage increase there has been in delivery during this period.

The Assistant Postmaster-General (Miss Mervyn Pike)

The radial distances from the Ferryhill office to its area boundaries vary from 2½ to 5½ miles, and the area served from the office is slightly smaller than 10 years ago; the number of letters delivered has increased by 26 per cent. and the number of parcels by 54 per cent. The existing arrangements appear to be satisfactory and I would not be justified in making any change at present.

Mr. Slater

Is the hon. Lady aware that ever since I can remember we have had a general post office at Ferryhill Station, with a postmaster in attendance, but that for the last three years that policy has been changed and the postmaster has been taken away—probably on representations from Darlington or Leeds to the Postmaster-General—and that with the increase of staff and the amount of work which is now involved, the time has come when we should have a different type of post office facilities in the area which at the moment are little more than a sub-post office?

Miss Pike

At present, we would not be justified in altering the status of the post office at Ferryhill, but we have promised to review the position yearly and that will be done.

Mr. F. Noel-Baker

The hon. Lady and her right hon. Friend have just answered three Questions on the day-to-day administration of a nationalised industry. Can they say from their experience and that of their officials whether such Questions are helpful or a hindrance to the efficiency of the Post Office, and will they bring their conclusions to the notice of their right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport?

Mr. Speaker

That is a long way from Ferryhill Station.