HC Deb 16 February 1967 vol 741 c771
45. Mr. Grieve

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that there is dissatisfaction in Solihull with the proposal to close the New Road sub-post office; and whether he will reconsider his decision in this matter.

Mr. Joseph Slater

My right hon. Friend has reconsidered the matter in the light of the local representations brought to his notice by the hon. and learned Gentleman and others. But he is sorry that he would not be justified in keeping open the sub-post office after the new main post office becomes available only some 500 yards away.

Mr. Grieve

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is causing great dissatisfaction to people who have used the sub-post office for many years? How many people does he want to make a protest before he reconsiders his decision?

Mr. Slater

One always gets some type of protest whenever one seeks to give improved conditions. Some people are not prepared to accept change. I agree that a great deal of concern has been shown about this, but the additional distance people will now have to travel to the new head post office is not very great and, like the sub-post office, the new office will be in the main shopping centre, which people will wish to visit anyway. I do not think that there will be any serious inconvenience.