HC Deb 22 May 1962 vol 660 cc199-200
19. Sir S. Storey

asked he Postmaster-General what steps he has taken to encourage the use of household letterboxes conforming to the specification of the British Standards Institution.

Miss Pike

Publicity in many forms has been used to encourage installation of boxes conforming to the British Standards Institution specification. We have had a cartoon film on television, posters in post offices and in ironmongers' and newsagents' shops, displays in post offices and at successive building trades exhibitions as well as at the Buildings Centre in London. Local authorities have been supplied with leaflets for attachment to all building plans which they approve. A copy of the leaflet has also been sent to people whose existing letter box is particularly troublesome. Finally, my right hon. Friend has written quite recently to all local post office advisory committees seeking the help and co-operation of the members in keeping the B.S.I. specification constantly before the public.

Sir S. Storey

May I ask my hon. Friend why, when her right hon. Friend wants a standardised letter box with an 8-inch opening, he sends out a circular in an envelope 9 in. by 11½ in.? Why is he sending out a circular letter using a heavy quality envelope which is designed for re-use?

Miss Pike

That is another question.

Sir W. Bromley-Davenport

Is not this yet another example of a nationalised industry? However many letter boxes may be installed, is it not a fact that the end product will always be the same— a worse service at increased cost?