§ 80. Mr. W. GREENWOODasked the Postmaster-General what would be the cost of delivering letters on Sunday; how many extra men would be given employment; is he aware of the very serious delay in transmitting messages relating to sickness or death by those who cannot afford the telephone or telegraph; has he had requests from any organisations asking for Sunday delivery to be restarted; and does he purpose taking any action in the matter?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)I am unable to state the actual cost of restoring Sunday deliveries, but it would probably not be less than £300,000 a year. The additional work would be performed by the existing staff, and it would not, therefore, afford means of providing employment. No representations from organisations have been received since the hon. Member's previous questions on this subject on the 1st of March. I am unable at present to consider the restoration of Sunday deliveries.
§ Mr. GREENWOODDid I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that no inquiries have been made in reference to reopening this matter?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSNo, Sir; I was answering my hon. Friend's question, and said that no representations from organisations have been received since the hon. Member asked his previous question.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it not a very great relief to nine people out of 10 to have one day in the week on which they receive no letters?
§ Mr. GREENWOODIs it not a fact that in various parts of the country circumstances are very different from what they are in London, and that what applies to hon. Members who live in this vicinity is very different from what applies in areas, say, in the North of England or in Scotland?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSCertainly, circumstances are different in various parts of the country.