§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Postmaster-General (1) which post offices are to stay open after 5.30 p.m. from Monday till Friday;
(2) if he will arrange for the main post offices used by businesses in Belfast to remain open till 6 p.m.;
(3) what is the average number of persons using the post office in Royal Avenue, Belfast, between 4.30 and 5 p.m., 5 and 5.30 p.m., and 5.30 and 6 p.m.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterOne or more of the main post offices in the following cities are to stay open after 5.30 p.m. Monday to Friday:
- London
- Birmingham
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Leeds
- Liverpool
- Manchester
- Newcastle-upon-Tyne
- Sheffield.
We do not have the details for which the hon. Member asks of customers using the post office in Royal Avenue; but the number after about 5.30 p.m. was relatively small.
I am sorry that I should not feel justified in keeping open the main post offices as the hon. Member suggests, but meter-franked mail can be handed in at a special counter at the Royal Avenue Post Office up to 7 p.m.; a change-giving machine is also available at this office and machines selling postal orders are shortly to be provided there. Stamp-selling machines are, of course, available at all main post offices.