§ 13. Mr. Hirstasked the Postmaster-General what steps he proposes to take to ensure an adequate Post Office service in the towns of Shipley and Bingley.
§ Mr. MawbyI understand that my hon. Friend is concerned about the recent reduction in the hours of business at the main post offices in Shipley and Bingley. The change was made because the relatively small amount of business transacted in the first and last half-hours of the day did not justify the expense of keeping open the offices. I feel sure that a few months' experience of the new arrangements will show that they are causing no real inconvenience.
§ Mr. HirstWe know all that, but is my hon. Friend aware that people who are working normal working hours should have facilities at any post office between 5.30 and 6.30 p.m., and will my hon. Friend communicate to his right hon. Friend that he ought to seek to ensure that the Post Office gives an adequate public service? It is in that regard that it is failing.
§ Mr. MawbyI can understand my hon. Friend's point of view, but it is important to point out that in these hours it has been noticed that the amount of business done has borne no relation to the cost of keeping the offices open. At present there are already arrangements whereby a number of people, for instance, with meter franked items and private boxes, have an arrangement by which they can hand in up to 6 o'clock at the sorting offices, and there are also stamp machines at both of the offices. I would, therefore, ask my hon. Friend to give it a few months to find out whether in fact we cannot continue to give a service without trying to provide services which in the main are not paying their way.