§ Mr. MIDDLETONasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the locker accommodation for the postal staff of the Birmingham head post office is in an insanitary and otherwise unsatisfactory basement; that serious dissatisfaction exists amongst the staff because of this matter; whether he has received medical reports condemning the use of the basement for the purpose it is now used; and whether he will reconsider the question, with a view to finding more satisfactory accommodation for the staff lockers?
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§ Mr. HARTSHORNI am aware that the locker accommodation for the postal staff of the Birmingham head post office is in the basement, and that protests have been received from the staff. In view of these protests, an inspection of the basement was made recently by the Home Office Superintending Inspector of Factories, who recommended that certain steps be taken to improve the ventilation, but did not condemn the use of the basement. Arrangements are in hand for the improvement of the ventilation, as recommended; but I do not consider that there is sufficient justification for discontinuing the use of the basement for the lockers, for which there is no suitable accommodation available elsewhere in the building.