§ 19. Mr. Woofasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will issue a general direction to the Post Office to redirect mail free of charge addressed to council tenants moved out for modernisation of their houses to temporary accommodation for a period of up to three months.
§ Mr. ChatawayNo, Sir. The cost of redirection has to be met but I understand that local authorities have discretionary powers to bear the fees themselves in appropriate cases.
§ Mr. WoofDoes not the right hon. Gentleman acknowledge that this is an imposition on tenants who have no choice but to accept other accommodation while Blaydon Council is bringing pre-war council houses up to modern standards? Will he reconsider the matter?
§ Mr. ChatawayNo, Sir. The Post Office is performing a service which costs money and has to be paid for. The local authority has power to help where it feels that help is justified.