asked the Assistant Postmaster-General how much of Christ Church Green. Victoria Street, S.W.1, will be occupied by the new post office; and what garage accommodation will be provided.

Only the site of the disused church and vicarage adjoining Christ Church Green will be occupied by the proposed new telephone exchange and public post office. There will be no garage.

Why is it that in this most congested area a new post office has been set up by the State with no garage accommodation, despite the fact that less than 200 yards away two private buildings have been put up, both of which would provide ample accommodation? Is it not time that the State stood up to its responsibilities in ridding the streets of vehicles?

This office will not be a sorting office and therefore there will be no need for a garage. The ground floor of the building will be used for a public post office.

Will the hon. Gentleman assure the House that the valuable open space which is used so much at the present time will not be built upon in this new venture?

I think that I can give the hon. Member that assurance. The only space to be built on is that occupied by the derelict church and the vicarage which adjoins it.