HC Deb 15 October 1952 vol 505 cc174-5
10. Sir H. Williams

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General the latest time for posting letters at the South Western District Post Office if they are to be delivered in the London area by the first post next morning; and what was the corresponding posting time in 1939.

Mr. Gammans

Letters and postcards, but not correspondence at the printed paper rate, for first delivery throughout London can be posted at the South Western District Post Office up to 9.30 p.m. on weekdays and up to 6 p.m. on Sundays: in 1939 the latest posting time for first delivery was 12.30 a.m.

Sir H. Williams

Could my hon. Friend say why the postal delivery is the only industry in Britain which is less efficient than it was 50 years ago?

Mr. Gammans

If we were to revert to the pre-war practice it would mean either increasing the staff by some several thousand men or else reverting to a practice where postmen worked a 16-hour broken tour of duty, which I think would be unacceptable in all quarters of the House.

Sir Edward Keeling

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is a notice at the South West District Office which says that if persons post there up to 6.30 a.m. letters will be delivered in S.W.1 the same day? Is that incorrect?

Mr. Gammans

That is not what my hon. Friend asked. He asked what time at night letters should be posted for delivery next morning.

Sir E. Keeling

Then the answer as to letters for S.W.1 should have been midnight.