§ Sir WILLIAM BULLasked the Postmaster-General what additional charge for rent, if any, has been incurred by the postal authorities in respect of the premises hitherto used as the post office on Kew Green since or in consequence of the resignation of the late sub-postmistress on 9th March last; whether any postal authority or person in the employment of the Post Office is the lessee of these premises; if so, how much longer the lease has to run; what additional staff, if any, has been employed at this office since 9th March and at what cost; and if instructions have been issued to the postal authorities at Richmond or elsewhere to take prompt and adequate steps to secure continuation of the postal facilities hitherto enjoyed by the residents in the Kew Green district?
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§ Mr. PIKE PEASEA temporary payment at the rate of£40 a year is being made for the use of the premises referred to, but they are not held under a formal agreement. The staff now employed consists of an established sorting clerk and telegraphist on loan from, the Richmond Post Office and a part-time assistant. The cost of maintaining the office under these arrangements exceeds the payment that would be made to a sub-postmaster by approximately£100 per annum. As regards the last part of the question, I beg to draw the hon. Member's attention to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave him in this House on the 9th instant.