§ 53. Major STEELasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the great dissatisfaction among the residents in the valleys of the Ettrick and Yarrow, in the county of Selkirk, over the present 1245 postal service; whether he is aware that the people who live in this district had a daily postal service for over 50 years prior to the War and have only now a house-to-house delivery on three days a week; and will he consider the restoration of a daily postal service?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Pike Pease)The amount of correspondence in these valleys is extremely small and the cost of the postal services is already abnormally high. My right hon. Friend does not feel justified therefore in establishing a daily house-to-house delivery, but I will arrange during the summer months for some additional deliveries to these houses, which are situated on the main route or to any roadside boxes which other residents may put up for the reception of their correspondence.
§ Major STEELDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that most of the people who live in this neighbourhood are farmers or shepherds or other agriculturists and the great majority of them cannot get an answer to a letter for two days, and they find that a great hardship?
§ Mr. PEASEI agree that there is a hardship in the matter and the whole question is being well considered, but the question of expense has to be taken into account. If it is possible to provide any further facilities I shall be only too glad.