HC Deb 18 May 1960 vol 623 cc1251-2
3. Mr. Collard

asked the Postmaster General if he will authorise the establishment of a sub-post office in the parish of Old Catton, near Norwich.

Miss Pike

I have considered this matter carefully, but I am sorry that I should not be justified at present in doing as my hon. Friend asks.

Mr. Collard

Is my hon. Friend aware that the ancient parish of Old Catton has about 2,000 inhabitants and that this number is increasing? Is she further aware that the nearest post office is a mile away and not on a bus route, that the fare to the nearest post office on a bus route is 10d. return. Will she, therefore, look at this again?

Miss Pike

The part of the parish of Old Catton concerned in this Question contains only 339 houses, with a population of 850 and only one shop. In the other part of Old Catton, to the south, there is a sub-post office. There is also a sub-post office at Catton Grove, which is three-quarters of a mile away, and there is a good bus service into Norwich, where most people have to do their shopping. I have gone into this question very carefully, but I cannot accede to my hon. Friend's request.