HC Deb 09 August 1887 vol 318 cc1708-9
MR. CHANNING (Northampton, E.)

asked the Postmaster General, Whether it is true that, under present Regulations, all the relief from duty allowed in general to postmen and Post Office officials in rural districts on Bank Holidays is that savings banks and money order business is discontinued at noon; and that if there is a mid-day delivery or despatch of letters, this delivery or despatch alone is dispensed with; and, whether, having regard to the fact that the observance of Bank Holidays having become practically universal, he will consider the advisability of making the postal arrangements in rural districts on Bank Holidays the same as for Christmas Day and Good Friday—namely, that there should be—Morning delivery and despatch only; Parcel Post delivery, but no despatch; no money order or Savings Bank work; no telegraphic work after 10 a.m.; accounts to be included in succeeding day?

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES) (Cambridge University)

In reply to the hon. Member, I beg leave to state that no Regulation has been laid down relieving from any part of their duty postmen and other officials in the rural districts on the occurrence of ordinary Bank Holidays, and I am not aware that the observance of Bank Holidays in the rural districts has become practically universal. In any case, a much longer experience than has hitherto been gained would be required before I could see my way to limiting the postal accommodation afforded to the public in rural parts to the extent indicated in the Question of the hon. Member.