§ 32. Mr. R. McNEILLasked the Post master-General whether the lateness and irregularity of delivery of the daily Parliamentary Report in the London area continues; that on the 17th of February the Report was not delivered to Members in the South-Western district until the afternoon; and whether he will explain the cause of this irregularity and take steps to secure the regular delivery of the Report in the London area not later than the second postal delivery in the morning?
§ Mr. J. A. PEASEUnder normal circumstances the Reports should be received by the second delivery in cases where they are too late for the first delivery, but in some districts the second delivery is now not made until after noon. I am afraid the difficulties which were explained to the hon. Member by my predecessor on the 25th November last cannot be overcome while the War continues. Indeed, they are tending to increase rather than to diminish. But everything is being done by the Post Office to ensure the delivery of the Reports as early as possible, and special steps have been taken, and are still being taken, to secure the co-operation of the printers towards this end.
§ Mr. McNEILLIn view of the fact that the OFFICIAL REPORT, owing to its conspicuous and distinct appearance, must be easily sorted, and that the number of copies is small, could not special arrangements be made for its prompt delivery?
§ Mr. PEASEI have gone into the matter, and have endeavoured to meet the convenience of hon. Members. As the hon. Member knows, there are difficulties in the matter.
§ Colonel YATECould not the OFFICIAL REPORT be delivered in the Western District before one o'clock?