§ 52. Mr. Goodhartasked the Postmaster-General whether he will make a further statement about his proposals for meeting the cost of installing anti-bandit screens in sub-post offices.
§ Mr. Chichester-Clarkasked the Postmaster-General whether he will make a further statement about the cost of anti-bandit screens for sub-post offices.
§ Mr. MasonOur aim in this matter has been to make a fair division, as between the Post Office and the sub-postmaster, of the cost of protecting his premises with an anti-bandit screen. The offer already made to pay the first £50 of the cost of the screen in crime-prone areas, with an interest free loan to cover the remainder, seems to me a very reasonable one in relation to the terms on 57W which sub-postmasters are employed. I have, however, decided to improve on it in view of my strong wish to get this scheme properly under way. The Post Office will now pay 75 per cent. of the cost or £50 whichever is the greater, and will also pay for the initial survey necessary at each office. I hope that the Federation of Sub-Postmasters will feel able to give more enthusiastic support for this scheme, which was initiated at their request.