HC Deb 20 July 1960 vol 627 cc474-5
23. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Postmaster-General what plans he has for the future of sub-post offices; if he is aware of the difficult period through which sub-post offices are passing owing to the loss of work; and what discussions he has had with the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters concerning the possibility of using sub-post offices for the payment of industrial pensions and hire-purchase remittances.

Miss Pike

I expect sub-post offices to continue to play the same useful part in serving the public as they have done in the past. While there have been reductions in some types of work, there have been compensating increases in others. There has been correspondence with the Federation about industrial pensions and hire-purchase payments. It is too early to say what the outcome will be on industrial pensions, but the Federation was told that there is no Post Office objection, subject to certain conditions, to sub-postmasters handling hire-purchase payments.

Mr. Harold Davies

I thank the hon. Lady for that courteous and partially helpful reply. Is the hon. Lady aware that the efficiency of the Post Office in Britain—and it is one of the most, if not the most efficient, in the world—has undoubtedly been made more efficient by these sub-offices throughout the country? Can the hon. Lady say whether the Committee which her right hon. Friend has appointed will investigate fully the future position of these sub-offices?

Miss Pike

I endorse what the hon. Gentleman said about the important part that sub-offices play in the efficient service we give to the public. Most certainly all aspects of their requirements will be looked into when we are investigating this matter.

Mr. W. R. Williams

May I get the position clear from the hon. Lady's reply? Does it mean that this question of hire-purchase remittances will be one of the general facilities offered by sub-offices? If so, will the same apply to Crown offices? As she was referring to sub-postmasters, how will this work out?

Miss Pike

No. The difference is that this work is done in their purely private capacity as shopkeepers, and it does not apply to Crown offices.