HC Deb 06 June 1946 vol 423 cc2134-5
3. Mr. Keeling

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General when the 7.30 p.m. and 9 p.m. collections in London will be resumed; and whether he intends to restore the midnight collection.

Mr. Burke

The 7.30 p.m. and 9.00 p.m. collections will be introduced in London oil weekdays, excepting Saturdays, towards the end of the year. The midnight collection will not be restored.

Mr. Keeling

As regards the first point, is the Minister aware that the improvement was promised for this summer and, secondly, does the non-resumption of the midnight service mean that the Government are asking the people of London to accept permanently a service inferior to that which existed before the war?

Mr. Burke

With regard to the first part of the question, the statement was that there would be a considerable improvement in many places during the summer, and generally by the end of the year. As to the second part of the question, I do not think it would be either in the public interest or in the interest of employees if postmen collected letters at midnight.

Mr. Keeling

Why not in the public interest?

Mr. Burke

Because I think it would encourage the public to go back to the old late hours from which we have got away during the war.

4. Mr. Keeling

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the withdrawal of the Saturday after noon delivery in Greater London has resulted in letters posted in London after the last collection on Friday evening being withheld from delivery in Greater London until Monday morning; and whether he intends to restore the Saturday afternoon deliveries.

Mr. Burke

Letters posted in London on Friday evening after the last collection are collected on Saturday morning and I regret that it is not possible to arrange for them to be delivered on Saturday afternoon in the area contiguous to London. After the reintroduction later in the year of the 9.00 p.m. collection in London, letters posted in time for that collection will be delivered in this area on Saturday morning.

Mr. Keeling

Does this again mean that there is to be a permanent deterioration, and is it not exceedingly inconvenient for the people of Greater London?

Mr. Burke

No, Sir, there is no deterioration at all. It means that the nine o'clock collection will allow sufficient time to enable people. to post on Friday for delivery the following morning