18. Mr. Norman Smithasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the inconvenience caused through the lack of posting facilities in the outskirts of Nottingham later than between 5.30 and 6 p.m.; and what steps he is taking to provide later facilities.
§ 20. Mr. Harrisonasked the Postmaster-General if he will examine the position in and around the City of Nottingham, to reinstitute a later posting and collection time for mails posted in the city outskirts and the restoration of the much used practice, operated during the war, of late facilities on certain corporation buses.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingThe final general collection from the street posting boxes in Nottingham is made between 5.45 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. as it is in towns and cities elsewhere in the United Kingdom. To provide a later collection by postmen, or by posting boxes on buses, would mean additional calls on manpower which could not be justified.
Mr. Norman SmithIs not my right hon. Friend aware that the public enjoyed better facilities for the collection and delivery of letters 50 years ago?
§ Mr. PalingI am not so sure about 50 years ago, but it is a fact that, last year, owing to the fuel crisis and the manpower crisis, the late services were taken off.
§ Mr. HarrisonWill the Minister make inquiries locally, and, in those local inquiries, will he take into consultation the views of some local citizens, when, I am quite sure, he will find that it will not put a great strain on manpower?
§ Mr. SutcliffeWould the Minister consider restoring the late postal facilities on buses which proved so valuable before, enabling people to answer letters after their return home from work?
§ Mr. PalingThat is part of the Question, and I have already said that I cannot do it.