§ Mr. JOWETTasked the Postmaster-General if it is his intention to close the sub-post office in Gaythorne Road, West Bowling, Bradford; if so, whether he is aware that this sub-office is conveniently situated for the use of a large industrial population: that 140 old-age pensioners and a large number of sailors' and soldiers' dependants draw their weekly pensions there; that the nearest sub-post office to the one in question is inconveniently situated for the business proposed to be added to it; that a petition against the closing of the sub-office has been signed by about 1,400 residents of the district concerned, which petition has also been signed by the managers of the large dyeworks in the district known as Ripley's Dyeworks, a branch of the Bradford Dyers' Association; and, if it is his intention to close the sub-office referred to, whether he will reconsider the matter?
§ Mr. NEVILLE CHAMBERLAINIt was decided in September last to close this sub-post office on the recent resignation of the sub-postmaster. The representations to which the hon. Member refers have been considered; but in view of the fact that there are three other offices within a distance of half a mile, I regret that I should not be justified in maintaining the Gaythorne Road sub-office having regard to the present need for economy.