HC Deb 10 November 1964 vol 701 cc823-4
28. Lady Tweedsmuir

asked the Postmaster-General if he will make a statement on his policy with regard to the move of the Post Office Savings Bank to Glasgow.

Mr. Benn

Yes, Sir. The decision to move the Post Office Savings Bank to Glasgow still stands.

Lady Tweedsmuir

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that all Scotland will be glad that he has followed the excellent decision taken by the former Government?

Mr. Rankin

May I congratulate my right hon. Friend on that answer? Is he aware that one of the reasons for the transfer to Glasgow was the high unemployment in that city? Is he further aware that there is a considerable amount of concern over what would appear to be the delay in carrying out the transfer? Perhaps he could indicate the cause of the delay.

Mr. Benn

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his reference to the decision to confirm this move, but I am sure he will recognise that a move of this kind, carried out at a time when the Post Office Savings Bank is being computerised, and when one has to maintain a high quality of service to the customers of the Bank, involves delicate matters. The Post Office has a proud record of transferring other departments, one to Chesterfield and another to Durham, and the good will of the staff is as important in this as it can possibly be.

Mr. Noble

Will the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that we are delighted to hear his statement, but I am not certain whether he was in the House when his hon. Friend the Chief Secretary, in answering a supplementary Question, said that the matter was under consideration. Is the right hon. Gentleman quite certain of his statement?

Mr. Benn

My hon. Friend was quite properly leaving it to me to answer the Question put down by the noble Lady. It would have been most improper if he had answered a question which principally affects Post Office policy.