§ Mr. BOWERMANasked the Postmaster-General whether, before the outbreak of war, the local medical officer condemned the Euston Square branch office as unsuitable and insanitary; whether the Post Office proposed at that date to make extensive alterations, but were subsequently stopped by war conditions; whether he is aware that the office is seriously overcrowded, the staircase dangerous, the lighting bad, and the heating poor; whether the Controller of the London postal service had admitted that the accommodation in the public office is cramped and that nothing effective in the way of improvement could be done in the space available; whether the railway company have refused to co-operate with him by providing a more commodious and suitable site; and whether, in view of the unsatisfactory conditions which have existed in this office for many years, he will instruct his officials to either improve or close the office?
§ Mr. PEASEI am not aware that before the outbreak of war the local medical officer condemned the Euston Square branch office as unsuitable and insanitary, but in view of representations from him certain remedial measures—the only measures which were then possible—were taken in 1916 and 1918, The public office is cramped, and nothing effective in the way of improvement can be done in 915W the space available in the present structure, and undoubtedly severe pressure has been experienced, due in great measure to the use of the office by large numbers of troops and to the payment of Army and Navy allowances. The pressure has, however, already abated, and will, I hope, continue to do so. The staircase is somewhat dark, but a gas-jet is usually kept burning. The means for heating the office seem to be reasonably sufficient. The question of providing a larger office, which was necessarily held over by reason of the War, has recently been raised with the railway company, but as they are unable to assist in the matter, inquiry is being made with a view to securing premises elsewhere. In the meantime I do not see sufficient reason for closing the office.
§ Mr. JOHN JONESasked the Postmaster-General whether the Euston Square branch post office was condemned some years ago as dangerous to health and unsuitable for post office premises; whether he has taken any action to remedy this complaint; whether the railway company is the obstacle; and whether, if the company refuses to provide a suitable site, he will remove the office to more suitable premises?
§ Mr. PEASEI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question on the same subject put down for the same date by the right hon. Member for Deptford.
§ Commander BELLAIRSasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the inadequate accommodation for the public at the Maidstone Post Office; and whether any action is to be taken to meet the growing needs of the population?
§ Mr. PEASEThere has been great pressure in the public office at the Maidstone Post Office owing to the presence in the town and neighbourhood of considerable bodies of troops, and owing also to the payment of numerous allowances. It is hoped that with the withdrawal of the troops the pressure will be relaxed, but the matter will be kept under close attention. The question of providing a new office will be taken up when circumtances allow.