77. Mr. WALLACEasked the Post master-General whether he has yet completed his inquiries regarding the closing of Pathhead Post Office as a telegraph office, and, if so, with what result; and is he aware that on 11th March a telegram answering a case of sudden and serious illness was dispatched from Cowdenbeath at 12.58 p.m., received in Kirkcaldy at 1.3 p.m., but not delivered in Pathhead till 1.50?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe inquiries show that there is no appreciable difference between the average time occupied in the delivery of telegrams at Pathhead from Kirkcaldy under the new arrangement and the time formerly occupied in their transmission to and delivery from the Pathhead Post Office. My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that telephone subscribers can obtain their telegrams by telephone with consequent acceleration in delivery. The telegram to which my hon. Friend refers cannot be traced, but if he will furnish me with the delivered copy I will have the delay investigated.
Mr. WALLACEWhy should people have to employ their own telephones to assist the Post Office in the delivery of telegrams?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI cannot agree that delivery by telephone is an improper form of delivery. It is in the interests of the receiver of the telegram.
78. Mr. WALLACEasked the Post master-General whether he is aware that no letters are collected in the Pathhead district of Kirkcaldy after 6.30 p.m., and that letters posted in Kirkcaldy after 6 a.m. on Saturday morning are not delivered in the northern part of the town till Monday; and whether he will institute a more adequate service for this industrial town with a population of 40,000?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI am having inquiry made, and will write to the hon. Member.