§ 2.35 p.m.
§ LORD BOOTHBYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are aware that letters within the London Postal Region are now taking two days to deliver, and to Scotland sometimes longer; and in view of the fact that it is expensive to conduct all correspondence by means of telegram or special messenger, whether anything can be done to remedy this.]
§ BARONESS PHILLIPSMy Lords, fully-paid letters posted in London for addresses in London are, with relatively few exceptions, delivered by the next weekday after posting. Much of the fully-paid correspondence for Scotland is also delivered on the next weekday after posting. If the noble Lord will let me 2 have particulars of any delays I will ask my right honourable friend the Postmaster General to look into them.
§ LORD BOOTHBYMy Lords, I should like to thank the noble Baroness for her reply, and also for the courtesy of the Post Office in sending an official to see me. It seems that only 5 per cent. of the mail is delayed, and not for the first time, was one of the unluckly ones; I am prepared to let it go at that.
§ BARONESS EMMET OF AMBERLEYMy Lords, may I ask whether there is any difference between a threepenny and a fourpenny letter posted? I have found that there have been delays in respect of threepenny invitation cards sent out and I wondered whether that was unusual or whether it was to be expected.
§ BARONESS PHILLIPSMy Lords, I am speaking a little without reference to the officials concerned, but I think I am correct in saying, from other experience that I have had, that there is some delay for the cheaper letter.