HC Deb 03 July 1969 vol 786 cc626-7
7 and 8. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether he is aware that 28 pensioners, aged 65 to 83 years, many infirm and without supplementary pensions, are paying up to 5s. weekly, travelling by bus to Worcester and Pershore from their homes, due to the closure many months ago of the Stoulton Sub-Post Office; whether he will furnish mobile facilities to pay weekly at the pensioners' homes; and whether he will make a statement;

(2) whether he is aware that the rural area of Stoulton, Worcestershire, has been deprived of post office services for many months, that facilities do not exist for purchase of stamps and postal orders since the closure of the sub-post office; whether he will now inaugurate mobile services to replace the sub-post office; and what temporary remedies he proposes to alleviate the inconvenience caused to Post Office customers in Stoulton.

Mr. Stonehouse

A sub-post office will again be provided at Stoulton when a suitable sub-postmaster can be found. Meanwhile, stamps and postal orders may be bought from the delivery postman and pensions may be collected by relatives or friends.

Sir G. Nabarro

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is not easy in a widespread rural area to cause other people to collect pensions? As I have put my finger here on the fundamental case on behalf of a number of old-age pensioners, will he not take the initiative under one of two heads—either pay the pensions from mobile post office vans, such vans being available in the area, or cause local head postmasters to remit the pensions by post against appropriate vouchers?

Mr. Stonehouse

I am aware of the special problems in rural areas, and I will seriously consider the helpful suggestions which the hon. Gentleman has made.

Mr. Alfred Morris

While it is not for the Opposition to advocate increased public expenditure, would not my right hon. Friend agree that it would be helpful to elderly people in many other areas if mobile facilities could be made available?

Mr. Stonehouse

Mobile facilities, unless they are temporary, can be extremely expensive. I would not want to give the impression that we can instal mobile post offices on a large scale. I think that the best way to provide the best service is by establishing suitable sub-offices where possible.