§ 32 and 33. Mr. Edenasked the Postmaster-General (1) what sub-offices are available in the borough of Bournemouth within one mile from Bear Cross Parade, Anchor Road, Bournemouth; and what is the extent of the counter space in each case;
§ (2) when he proposes to authorise the establishment of a new sub-office in Bear Cross Parade, Anchor Road, Bournemouth, in order to meet the needs of the substantially increased population in the district.
§ Miss PikeThere are three sub-post offices in the Borough of Bournemouth within a mile of Bear Cross Parade, Anchor Road. They are Cunningham Crescent, West Howe, and Kinson, and the lengths of their counters are 10½ feet., 10 feet. and 15 feet respectively. Also within a mile is the Bearwood sub-office, in the Borough of Poole, which has a counter 7 feet, long. I am sorry that in a letter sent to my hon. Friend in January it was wrongly stated that there were only three offices within a mile of Anchor Road. I am afraid I should not be justified in authorising yet another office in this area.
§ Mr. EdenIs my hon. Friend aware that, whilst I appreciate that she has given this very full consideration, her Answer will, nevertheless, disappoint a very large number of people who have recently come into this area? Will she give an assurance that her mind is not closed on this subject and that the needs of this area will have top priority on her list?
§ Miss PikeI am very glad to give an assurance that we will keep this under review. My hon. Friend is quite right in saying that there has been considerable housing development in this district. Within half a mile of this arcade the 443 population has risen, I think, from 2,000 to 7,900. The difficulty is that these offices are badly sited. We shall keep this in mind.