HC Deb 28 March 1927 vol 204 cc862-3
46. Sir R. HAMILTON

asked the Postmaster-General if any counties in England have only three deliveries of letters weekly?

The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Viscount Wolmer)

No county in England has a delivery restricted to three days a week throughout the whole of its area; but there are isolated localities in many parts of England where a restricted delivery service is in force.

Sir R. HAMILTON

Will the Noble Lord consider restoring the daily delivery in the county of Orkney?

Viscount WOLMER

Yes, Sir, we will consider it, and we will do it as soon as we can.

Sir R. HAMILTON

Is the Noble Lord aware that it would cost only £2,000 to restore the pre-War delivery?

Viscount WOLMER

A great many £2,000 amounts to a large sum,, and my hon. Friend's constituency is not the only one which would like to have improved postal facilities.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Can the Noble Lord say how much £2,000 would be per head?

Sir R. HAMILTON

Is the Noble Lord aware that the county of Orkney is the only one that has been reduced to three deliveries weekly?

Viscount WOLMER

Yes, Sir, but there are many other parts of Scotland where the deliveries are not so numerous as hon. Members in this House would like them to be, or as we should like them to be, if financial conditions permitted.

Mr. MACOUISTEN

In considering any revision of the postal facilities in the county of Orkney, will the Noble Lord also take into consideration the fact that there are many places in Argyllshire—

Viscount WOLMER

My right hon. Friend will no doubt bear that in mind.