§ Mr. BAKERasked the Postmaster-General whether it is proposed to transfer the telephone exchange from the head post office at Pickering to a neighbouring building, which is reached by a low covered passage walled in by warehouses and similar buildings; whether he is aware that the proposed premises are lit on one side only and that high buildings are within five feet from the windows; and whether, seeing that on the retirement of the present postmaster, who is within a few months of the termination of his service, the present head post office will be entirely devoted to official purposes, there is any reason for the proposed transfer to the unsuitable and unhealthy building which his Department has in mind?
§ Mr. HARTSHORNArrangements are being made to remove the Pickering Telephone Exchange from the post office to separate premises, which have been taken on lease for the purpose. The space in the post office occupied by the Exchange, 2165W as well as that at present used as an official residence, is required for urgently needed improvements in the post office accommodation. It is the case that the new Exchange premises receive natural lighting from one side only, and that the approach is by a covered passage. These conditions are, however, not unusual in this part of the country; and I am assured that the natural lighting will be adequate and that there is no foundation for the statement that the premises are unhealthy.