§ 22. Sir Henry Morris-Jonesasked the Postmaster-General whether the recent deterioration in the promptitude of the delivery of letters, etc., especially in rural and semi-urban areas, will be rectified at an early date?
§ Captain WaterhouseAs my right hon. Friend explained in reply to a question asked by my hon. Friend on 13th September, some slowing down of mail services has been unavoidable because of the shortage of experienced Post Office staff, the re-arrangements of train services, and the lighting restrictions. I regret that it has been necessary to reduce the number of deliveries of letters and parcels but I see no prospect of restoring them in the near future to the peace-time standard. I can assure my hon. Friend that all practicable steps are being taken to avoid delay in the delivery of letters.
§ Mr. G. StraussAre additional staff being taken on to replace those who have left to join the Services?
§ Captain WaterhouseYes, Sir, a large additional staff has been taken on.