HC Deb 01 December 1926 vol 200 cc1193-5
63. Mr. AMMON

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will reconsider the shortening of the period of training for temporary sorters engaged for the Christmas season, seeing that such apparent economy would work out with disadvantage to the public by unnecessary delays and possible loss of correspondence owing to insufficient training?

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

I have had a table prepared which summarises the information desired up to the latest available period. With my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Sir F. WISE

What percentage is British?

Mr. SAMUEL

The total amount of imports for the first seven months of 1926 from all sources is about £3,750,000. About £500,000 is British, which includes Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the Dominions. It must be borne in mind that about £1,000,000 of the total of £3,750,000 is fur food.

Sir F. WISE

Does that include bullion?

Mr. SAMUEL

Yes. The bullion imported into Palestine would be just under £5,000, and nearly all from non-British sources.

Following are the figures:

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir William Mitchell-Thomson)

Careful consideration was given to the question of the appropriate period of training for temporary sorters before the instructions applicable to the coming Christmas season were promulgated. In view of the simplification of the duties to be performed by casual force, I anticipate that the shortened period will prove ample.

Mr. AMMON

Is there any difference between the duties now and two or three years ago, when there was considerable confusion and delay at Christmas time, and is not this likely to be repeated?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

No; the duties, as I have stated, have been very considerably simplified.