HC Deb 18 July 1912 vol 41 cc554-5W
Sir RANDOLF BAKER

asked the Postmaster-General for how long the negotiations with regard to the new Gillingham (Dorset) Post Office have been going on; whether he is aware that the plans have been practically approved for twelve months, and that tenders have been accepted by the owner of the site for nearly six months; and, seeing that in spite of the fact that the Post Office surveyor at Portsmouth stated last February that the matter would be expedited as much as possible, and was then before headquarters, nothing has been yet commenced, whether he will take steps to expedite the erection of this office?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

It is true that the negotiations for the provision of a new office at Gillingham (Dorset) have BOW been in hand for a considerable time, but owing to difficulties in connection with the site, the high cost of the building, and modifications of terms required by the lessor delay has been inevitable. The scheme has now, however, been laid before the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, and, if it is sanctioned, building operations will, it is hoped, be put in hand at an early date.