HC Deb 28 June 1927 vol 208 cc198-9
33. Major GLYN

asked the Postmaster-General what are the anticipated annual savings that will result from the conveyance of parcels, etc., by the Post Office (London) railway when in normal operation; which are the railway termini that will be directly connected with the General Post Office; and to what extent will it be possible to do away with the existing method of conveyance of postal matter by horse and motor vehicles?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

It is anticipated that there will be an annual reduction of approximately £40,000 in the cost of the conveyance of letter and parcel mails by road when the Post Office (London) railway is fully working. The railway termini, which will be directly connected with the General Post Office, are Paddington Station (Great Western Railway) and Liverpool Street Station (London and North-Eastern Railway). It may be estimated that the railway will relieve road mail services to the extent of approximately 400,000 miles annually or 27 per cent.

Major COLFOX

Can my right hon. Friend give us the capital cost of this railway?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

I could give it in reply to a question.

Sir F. HALL

When does my right hon. Friend think it will be in complete working?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

I think in a couple of months time.

Commander BELLAIRS

Can my right hon. Friend say how long this Post Office (London) railway has been building?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

Many years.