HC Deb 23 July 1963 vol 681 cc1251-2
12. Mr. Barnett

asked the Postmaster- General whether he will grant a licence for a sub-post office to serve the Carey Estate, Wareham.

Mr. Mawby

I am sorry that we should not be justified in opening a sub-post office on this estate at present; but the matter will be kept under review in the light of the building development which I understand is to take place in the area.

Mr. Barnett

Has the Assistant Postmaster-General really examined the problem? Does he realise that the estate lies a mile from Wareham, that the General Post Office has very serious parking problems, that a level crossing lies between the estate and the town of Ware ham and that there are more than 300 households on the estate, as well as two factories, and that there seems to me to be a very strong case indeed for the granting of a licence for a sub-post office on the estate?

Mr. Mawby

As I said, there are all sorts of considerations to be taken into account in opening another office. As I have stated, this matter will be constantly under review in the light of the building development which we understand will take place there. But at the present moment we feel that opening a new office there would not necessarily mean any new business but would mean extra costs for doing the same amount of business.

Mr. Manuel

What about service to the public?

Mr. Mawby

This is a great problem that we have to face every day of the week in trying to balance the social need and duty of the G.P.O. with the need to run an efficient service.

Mr. W. R. Williams

In view of the considerations which my hon. Friend the Member for Dorset, South (Mr. Barnett) has brought to the notice of the House today, does not the Assistant Postmaster-General think that he ought to have some further inquiry made, because not only should he anticipate more business but surely the sense of service to the people who are now living there should also be paramount?

Mr. Mawby

I am prepared to discuss with the hon. Gentleman the points that he has raised, but on the information that I have at the moment, it is a borderline case. As I have said, it will remain under constant review, but I shall be happy to discuss with the hon. Gentleman the points he has raised and have another look at the matter.