§ Mr. H. M'LARENasked the Postmaster-General whether he has received a widely-signed petition from the inhabitants of Bilstone, Congerstone, Shackerstone, and Odstone, in the county of Leicester, representing the inconvenience that certain proposed changes in the postal arrangements will inflict on these districts; whether the residents were consulted in any way before the proposed changes were decided upon; and whether he will give instructions for the proposed alterations to be cancelled?
§ Mr. PEASE:My right hon. Friend has received the petition referred to by the hon. Member. The motor service by which the mails for the places in question were conveyed from Atherstone could not be continued without increased expenditure, and in accordance with the policy which has been followed throughout the Kingdom it was decided to adopt a more economical method of providing for the postal service in the district. The change has resulted also in a substantial saving of labour and petrol. It is recognised that the present service is not so good as that which it replaced, but similar alterations have been made at many places of no less importance. It is not the practice to consult the residents before such changes are made, but due consideration is given to local circumstances.