HC Deb 17 November 1964 vol 702 cc179-80
16. Mr. Marten

asked the Postmaster-General if he will now re-establish the sub-post office in Banbury's market place.

Mr. Joseph Slater

I have carefully considered this matter but I am sorry that we should not be justified in reestablishing the sub-post office. But, when the proposals for the redevelopment of the central area of Banbury mature, we shall, of course, review the need for post offices in the area generally.

Mr. Marten

Nevertheless, as this redevelopment plan will inevitably come, will the hon. Gentleman in the mean- time realise that Banbury is very much an expanding town, and that it causes great inconvenience to my constituents to have to walk a long way up town to the only post office? Will he give an assurance that he will personally look at this question again?

Mr. Slater

I understand the hon. Gentleman being concerned about this, but the sub-post office has been closed for three and a half years and the evidence that we have had does not suggest that our customers have been seriously inconvenienced.

Mr. Marten

I realise that, and for three and a half years I have been pressing to get this sub-post office opened. Nevertheless, will the hon. Gentleman answer my question and give an assurance that he personally will look at this question again?

Mr. Slater

I have no objection to having a look at this again, but we do not normally provide a post office in an urban area within a mile of an existing office.