§ 43. Mr. Spenceasked the Assistant Postmaster-General what steps he is taking to expedite the delivery of parcels sent by post.
§ Mr. BurkeMy noble Friend is taking all possible steps, in co-operation with the railway companies, to restore the parcel post service to its prewar level of operation. Considerable progress has been made recently in accelerating parcel mails, and every effort is being made to overcome the serious difficulties, such as lack of adequate accommodation and handling facilities both in the postal and railway services, that remain as a legacy from the war period. If the hon. Member has in mind any particular instances of delay, I shall be glad to receive details, in order that I may investigate them.
§ Mr. SpenceIs the Minister aware that, on the average, parcels sent by post over the longer distances take from 24 to 48 hours longer than letters over the same route? Is he satisfied with that?
§ Mr. BurkeNo, I know that over the long distances there is considerable delay, but I would remind the hon. Member that we are working with accommodation that has been very badly damaged during the war. We are working with a staff which is not as experienced as the prewar staff and, whereas prewar from overseas alone we had only 1,750,000 parcels a year, we now deal with 20 millions.
§ Mr. Hector HughesIs my hon. Friend aware that there is considerable delay in parcels between London and Aberdeen?