HC Deb 27 July 1960 vol 627 cc1617-8
4. Mr. Janner

asked the Postmaster-Genera l whether, in view of the continuing concern of old-age pensioners and others at the lack of proper facilities for Post Office services at Mowmacre Hill, Leicester, and in view of the plans for future building there, which have now been put in hand, he will now provide a sub-post office suitably situated there.

Miss Pike

I understand that the planned building development is not likely to start for some years. I can assure the hon. Member that when the time comes the question of providing a further sub-post office will be considered; but in the meantime I should not be justified in doing as he asks.

Mr. Janner

Could not the hon. Lady reconsider her decision about this not being justified? Does not she agree that if she provided for the minimum needs—that is what it amounts to—of the people at present at Mowmacre Hill, ultimately when the buildings go up the services would be available for the new people as well as for those who are there now? Does not she realise the difficulties?

Miss Pike

I accept the hon. Gentleman's persistence, but I cannot accept his arguments. The land in question will be lying fallow for about eight years. It is the site of a disused sewage farm, and we cannot expect development on the land for seven or eight years.

Mr. Mason

In view of the many Questions arising in the House about the siting of sub-post offices, would not the hon. Lady consider a review of the arrangements for sitings, especially having in mind the hilly terrain and the situation of the residences of a number of old-age pensioners?

Miss Pike

I appreciate the hon. Gentleman's point. With the ever-increasing changes in our community life, we often find that the siting of post offices is not as good as we would wish. We are keeping this matter and the standards which we employ in deciding whether we need sub-post offices constantly under review.