HC Deb 05 July 1900 vol 85 cc634-5
MR. COHEN (Islington, E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that a large number of letters posted in the E.G. district on 30th June were not delivered in the N.W, N.E., W, and S.W. districts till various times between twelve and two o'clock on the 2nd instant, although the letters, having been posted in the metropolitan area, were understood to be unaffected by the recent postal changes for letters to and from the provinces; and whether, if the delay is due to the recent alterations in the postal arrangements, he can state why the irregularities have lasted over a period so much longer than was expected, and how much longer it will be before they may be expected to cease.

MR. HANBURY

The Postmaster General is not aware that a large number of letters were delayed as stated by the hon. Member; but it is known that a large number of prospectuses, notices of sales, etc., handed in at the General Post Office and at Mount Pleasant on Saturday the 30th ultimo, were kept over for delivery on Monday morning the 2nd instant. Such a course is sometimes unavoidable, especially at the turn of the half year. Letters for delivery in the metropolitan area which are posted in the Eastern Central district in a box marked "London," are not affected by the recent change.

MR. COHEN

My information is that it was not the prospectuses which were delayed, but sealed letters containing cheques. May I suggest that the sorting work should be done by——

*MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The hon. Member is now making a speech.

MR. BROADHURST (Leicester)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether his attention has been called to the delays in the transmission of letters between the metropolis and some parts of the country; whether complaints have been made as to the inconvenience thus caused to business men; and whether he will take immediate steps to restore some measure of regularity.

MR. HANBURY

Yes, Sir; this matter has been engaging the Postmaster General's very careful attention, and he has good reason to believe that the steps taken with the view of restoring regularity in the service have proved successful.