HC Deb 02 August 1900 vol 87 cc437-8
MR. BARTLEY

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that irregularity still exists in the delivery of letters in London; and whether he can assure the House that efficient steps will be taken without further delay to restore the efficiency of the Post Office.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. HANBURY,) Preston

The Postmaster General assures me that he is not aware that irregularity still exists in the delivery of letters in London. If the hon. Member will furnish the covers of any letters that may appear to have been delayed inquiry shall be made respecting them.

MR. BARTLEY

May I ask my right hon. friend whether there is any distinction in the treatment of letters posted in the Eastern Central district as compared with those posted in other parts of London?

MR. HANBURY

There is this distinction, that if a letter is put in the wrong box for any district other than the E.C. district—the S.W., for instance— the mistake is corrected at the head office of that district; but, as I understand, that does not happen with regard to letters posted in the E.C. district—that is to say, no re-sorting takes place in that district office, but letters are sent on direct. It is possible delay may arise from that cause, and I will call the attention of the Postmaster General to see if some remedy cannot be applied.