HC Deb 21 January 1937 vol 319 cc343-4
53. Mr. Viant

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will give the reasons why postal packets posted in Wembley on 23rd December were not delivered in Willesden, a distance of two miles, until 29th December?

Sir W. Womersley

I regret that, without the covers of the packets, I can offer no explanation of the delay. I have made full inquiry, and I find that the Wembley office made a clear despatch of "in time" postings on 23rd December and the Willesden office made a clear delivery on Christmas Day. If the hon. Member will let me have the covers, I shall be glad to have further inquiry made.

Mr. Viant

Is there not a general complaint throughout the country, and is it not due to an insufficient number of extra employés having been engaged for this purpose?

Sir W. Womersley

It is not a fact that there is a general complaint. There are a few isolated cases. It is a fact that in some districts we were not able to get as many extra men as we desired, while in other districts we could have had more than we desired. We had to make the best of the position as we found it.

Mr. Viant

Has the Department kept a record of the complaints that have been made throughout the country?

Sir W. Womersley

We keep a record of complaints, but I can assure my hon. Friend that it is not a large mailbag.