§ Mr. W. GRAHAMasked the Postmaster General whether his attention has been called to the fact that the sub-post offices at Cross, High Street, and at Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, have both been closed within recent times; that these post offices were situated in densely populated and important business parts of the centre of Edinburgh; that their withdrawal has caused great inconvenience to large numbers of business men and residents in the adjoining areas who have protested without avail; that protest has also been made by the Town Council of Edinburgh; whether it is the case that at Cockburn Street a new tenant was willing to do the work but could get no satisfaction from the Post Office authorities in the matter; whether he is aware that the suggested office in High Street some months hence will be quite inadequate for the needs of this crowded district; and whether, in view of these facts, he will give instructions to have the offices in Cockburn Street and in High Street restored without delay?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe Cross sub-office was closed on the 30th September last, and the Cockburn Street sub-office on the 4th instant, upon the resignation of the respective sub-postmasters. There are no adequate grounds for maintaining an office in Cockburn Street as the premises are only 250 yards distant from the site of the new office which is being provided at 164, High Street, and both sites are within 500 yards of the head office. The intention was to maintain the Cockburn Street office temporarily until a new office in place of the Cross and Cockburn Street offices could be opened, but the present occupier of the Cockburn Street premises will not allow Post Office work to be conducted there unless he is appointed as sub-postmaster. Ample facilities are, however, available at the head office, and I do not think that any considerable inconvenience is being caused to persons residing or carrying on business in the vicinity. Steps are being taken to prepare the premises at 164, High Street for occupation as soon as possible, and I am assured that they will afford satisfactory accommodation for the needs of the district. I understand that 555W the representatives of the town council accept this view of the matter.