HC Deb 30 July 1958 vol 592 cc1329-30
1. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state, for the latest convenient date in July, the number of times the night mail train from London arrived in Dundee in time to ensure first delivery that morning.

The Assistant Postmaster-General (Mr. Kenneth Thompson)

Up to 29th July, 19 occasions out of 25.

2. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state, for the month of July, the number of Saturday mornings on which the night mail train from London arrived in Dundee in time to ensure delivery in the city that morning.

Mr. K. Thompson

Three occasions out of four.

Mr. Thomson

Would the Minister agree before we go into Recess that it is eminently reasonable that my constituents should expect that if they post letters in London on the afternoon of a weekday those letters should be delivered by the first delivery the following morning, and that if they post letters on the afternoon of a Friday they should be delivered before the first delivery on Monday morning?

Mr. Thompson

Yes, those are perfectly reasonable propositions from which we do not dissent. One of the troubles is that Dundee is a long way from London, and there is some difficulty sometimes because trains are late. As I think the hon. Gentleman knows, we are having discussions with the Transport Commission to try to improve this record, and we will do our best.

Mr. C. R. Hobson

Will the hon. Gentleman not only look into the question of Dundee, but also that of West Yorkshire? I have had occasion to give him envelopes which prove that letters posted at 7 o'clock on Friday have been delivered in London at half-past four on the following Monday. While the hon. Gentleman is taking up the matter with the Transport Commission with regard to Dundee, will he also take up with it the question of the west and central routes down to London?

Mr. Thompson

I should not like the whole of the blame for that matter to which the hon. Gentleman refers to rest on the Transport Commission. We will always look into the causes of failures and do our best to avoid repeating them.