HL Deb 05 March 1936 vol 99 cc923-4

Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be now read a second time, and I think it would be for the convenience of your Lordships if I explained quite briefly its provisions. Its object is to obtain powers to acquire compulsorily for the benefit of the Post Office two sites in the Metropolitan Borough of St. Pancras, a site in Manchester, and a site in Hereford. In London the existing Western District Parcel Office is fully developed, but after the acquisition of the proposed new site provision will be made for some years to come for the requirements of that office. Furthermore, a garage and workshop will be provided and accommodation will be reserved for the Langham and Museum telephone exchanges. The other site in the Metropolitan Borough of St. Pancras is for the extension of the Mount Pleasant office, and it will be used for additional garage accommodation and also for general Post Office developments.

In Manchester the necessity for increased accommodation in the Newton Street and Moreton Street offices can be generally realised when the figures for letter work and parcel traffic are taken into consideration. Between 1925 and 1934 letter work increased by 8 per cent. and parcel traffic by 27 per cent., but the new site should enable the needs of services to be met economically for many years, and will also permit of garage accommodation. Upon the erection and completion of this office the present parcels sorting office will be disposed of. In Hereford it is necessary to obtain a further site, and the only ground available is the vacant space at the rear of the present Post Office. It is at the present time the property of the archaic College of Vicars Choral of Hereford Cathedral. Owing to this new building being in close proximity to the Cathedral Close, it is proposed to consult the Royal Fine Art Commission upon the design of the frontage of the proposed building. I do not think I have anything more to add, but if any of your Lordships have a question to ask I shall be happy to endeavour to reply to it. I beg to move.

Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(The Earl of Munster.)

LORD JESSEL

My Lords, I could not very well hear the remarks of the noble Earl who moved the Second Reading, but I believe he said there were two sites in St. Pancras. I see in Clause 7 mention is made of Cleveland Mews from Maple Street to Howland Street. May T ask my noble friend where the other site is in St. Pancras?

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

I am sorry if I did not make it quite clear. The one site is Cleveland Mews and the other is Mount Pleasant.

LORD PHILLIMORE

My Lords, I should like to ask the noble Earl a question with regard to Clause 6. I see that under that clause powers are taken to stop up parts of three streets, and upon any exercise of that power the site of that part of the street stopped up shall vest in the Postmaster-General. I should like to inquire in whom the property in the street now vests; what consideration has been given to the interests of the adjoining owners in that street who are now going to be forced to live in a cul-de-sac; and whether proper compensation will be available to them.

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

My Lords, in reply to the noble Lord I will certainly make a note of his suggestion, which seems to me to be more appropriate for discussion on the Committee stage than at the present time. I will certainly inquire into the matter referred to by the noble Lord.

On Question, Bill read 2a.