§ 38. Mr. Stodartasked the Postmaster-General why letters which are posted in Central London before 6 p.m. are frequently not delivered in Edinburgh before 9 o'clock the next morning.
§ Miss PikeLetters posted up to 5.30 p.m. in the street boxes in Central London and up to 6 p.m. at head district offices should get first delivery in Edinburgh next weekday. Unfortunately, due to late running of the trains which carry the letters the connection is not always made. In collaboration with the British Transport Commission I am seeing what can be done to improve matters and I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.
§ Mr. StodartIn view of my hon. Friend's reply to my supplementary question on Question No. 37, about the tightness of the connection, may I ask whether she has given consideration to the possibility of sending letters north by air mail in future? If so, and perhaps until that comes about, would it be a proposition perhaps to have posting done in Central London at 5 o'clock instead of 5.30 and thereby reduce the tightness of the connection?
§ Miss PikeThere is some difficulty with what we call the "down special" from Euston because of the modernisation work on that line. We are considering the possibility of sending mails by air. I would not wish to bring forward the latest time of posting. A Committee is sitting at present to consider the distribution of mails to see how we can give the best possible service to the public.