Sub-Post Offices (Hansard, 7 December 1966)

§ 26 and 27. Mr. Peter Mills
asked the Postmaster-General (1) what steps he will take to improve the financial position of small sub-post offices so that the facilities of rural post offices can be maintained;
(2) if he will give an assurance that, when his Department carry out reorganisation of sub-post offices and their work, he will take full account of the social benefits of these offices.

§ Mr. Joseph Slater
Sub-postmasters' remuneration is based on the amount of Post Office business they transact, subject to minimum payments at the smallest offices. The level of payment is reviewed at intervals in conjunction with the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters, subject to Government policy on prices and incomes. I can assure the hon. Member that, when considering the matters he mentions, we take full account of the social benefits of sub-post offices.

§ Mr. Mills
The small increases which these people have received over the last few years do nothing to help them in their present position, with very rapidly rising costs. Would the Assistant Postmaster-General bear in mind thta postmen are being transferred to main offices and that this reduces the financial return to the sub-post offices very considerably? Would he also bear in mind that the social benefits of sub-post offices are of tremendous value in stopping the depopulation of our villages?

§ Mr. Slater
We shall bear the latter part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question in mind when the talks are continued. But let me remind him when he talks about the rate of sub-postmasters' remuneration that over the last two years there has been a 12 per cent. increase with a further increase of about 10 per cent. for sub-postmasters responsible for sorting and the delivery of mail. This includes the cost of accommodation for necessary staff and other expenses involved in running the sub-post office.

§ Dr. Winstanley
In the light of the hon. Gentleman's reply to the supplementary question and the Postmaster-General's Answer to the Question on Post Office hours, may I ask whether the Postmaster. General will press ahead with the provision of Post Office vending machines and the expansion of their scope to provide for people who cannot visit post offices either in places where or at times when they are available?

Hon. Members
No.

Mr. Sater
It would appear that the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question does not meet with the approval of the House. His observations will be given every consideration.