HC Deb 17 December 1973 vol 866 cc925-7
1. Mr. Edwin Wainwright

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications how many sub-post offices have been closed down in the United Kingdom in each of the past five years.

The Minister of Posts and Telecommunications (Sir John Eden)

With permission, I will circulate the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Wainwright

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these sub-post offices were closed because the remuneration to the sub-postmasters was insufficient? Will he bear in mind that sub-postmasters have to bear the heavy cost of lighting, heating, rates and rents? Can he take action to help sub-postmasters who have to obtain the services of another assistant when the amount of business transacted does not cover the amount of wages to be paid?

Sir J. Eden

I am well aware, and most appreciative of, the contribution of sub-postmasters. I tried to speak on this point in the Adjournment debate on 13th December. I have no doubt that the hon. Gentleman has studied the report of that debate, from which he will see that the Post Office is trying to take fully into account all the extra duties which sub-postmasters are often called upon to fulfil.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that this is a subject in which the Post Office Users National Council takes a continuing and active interest?

Sir J. Eden

Yes, Sir. I am well aware of the point which my hon. Friend makes. He will be aware that the Post Office also takes a continuing and active interest in this subject and watches carefully over the needs of consumers when determining policy in relation to sub-post offices.

Mr. Heffer

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some of the larger cities the closure of sub-post offices and smaller post offices has been detrimental to old-age pensioners? Is he further aware that many pensioners who previously went round the corner to get their pensions now have to travel long distances? Will he consider this matter further and try to ensure that there are no further closures of sub-post offices affecting older people? Will he consider reopening some sub-post offices where there is a need to help old people?

Sir J. Eden

As the hon. Gentleman will know, this is a matter within the operational responsibility of the Post Office. I can assure him and the whole House that the Post Office is aware of the sort of problems to which he has referred and that it watches these matters closely.

Dr. Glyn

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is a matter of great concern to a large number of small communities? Does he agree that a particular problem arises from the closure of sub-post offices in rural areas when people are unable to travel to the nearest town to obtain postal facilities? Will he make sure that this is one of the most economic ways of carrying out the Post Office function? Rather than decreasing the number of such offices, will he consider increasing them?

Sir J. Eden

I ask my hon. Friend to be good enough to look at the report of the Adjournment debate of 13th December, from which he will see that there are many factors which the Post Office takes into account, including the position of elderly people in areas where there are closures and the difficulties experienced in rural areas concerning postal services. The fact remains, however, that there are many different factors which the Post Office must bear in mind when considering policy relating to sub-post offices.

Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

When the Minister discusses the matter, as I hope he will do with the Chairman of the Post Office Corporation, will he draw the chairman's attention not only to the substantial number of sub-post office closures but to the failure to open new sub-post offices on many new housing estates, including council estates? Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that a considerable number of people are completely bereft of sub-post office facilities and that this situation is particularly difficult for old people on housing estates?

Sir J. Eden

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that this is a matter about which the Post Office is already fully aware and which it is watching most closely. The hon. Gentleman's point is very well taken. The Post Office must, however, balance economic factors against other matters. The overall position is that the provision of sub-post offices is more favourable in this country than in any other European country.

Following is the information:

1968–69 71
1969–70 100
1970–71 108
1971–72 127
1972–73 162

These are net figures. They exclude 48 sub-offices which were transferred to the Channel Islands postal authorities on 1st October 1969.