HC Deb 22 October 1941 vol 374 cc1771-2
34. Sir John Mellor

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that letters despatched to addresses within 100 miles are frequently not delivered within 36 hours of collection; and whether he will give an assurance that, week-ends excepted, letters posted before a prescribed time on any day will normally be delivered in the course of the following day to addresses within 150 miles radius?

The Postmaster-General (Mr. W. S. Morrison)

There may be isolated instances of such delay to letters posted in remote rural areas addressed to similar areas, but I am not aware of any general delay such as that mentioned in the first part of the Question. I am pleased to give the assurance asked for in the second part of the Question, except that I must exclude letters posted in and addressed to remote areas, and those which may be mistreated. If the hon. Member will write to me giving full particulars of any cases he has in mind, I shall be happy to make an inquiry.

Sir J. Mellor

While I will gladly supply my right hon. Friend with the particular cases, will he say whether any departmental check is kept on the normal times which elapse between collection and delivery?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir. A constant check is kept departmentally, and the general position, I am satisfied, is as I have said. I shall be glad to look into any cases where inquiry may result in a better service.

Mr. James Hall

Is, the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some London suburbs deliveries are now an hour and a half or two hours later than previously?

Mr. Morrison

There has been a change in the hours of collection in order to make the best use of the daylight that exists. While I cannot go into any individual question without particulars, I shall be glad to look into the matter if my hon. Friend will let me have details.