HC Deb 12 March 1963 vol 673 cc1159-60
14. Mr. Vane

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the deterioration in the letter post and parcel post between the North-West and other parts of England since the nineteen-thirties; and what action he is taking to improve the service.

Mr. Mawby

While we do not provide deliveries and collections on the same scale as in the nineteen-thirties, we still try to provide services which meet the needs of the country generally. My right hon. Friend agrees that the parcel post service is not as good as it should be at present and we are making strenuous efforts in co-operation with the railways to improve it. If my hon. Friend will let me know of any particular difficulty he may be having at present, I will gladly look into the matter.

Mr. Vane

While I thank my hon. Friend for that Answer as far as it goes, is he aware that in many villages in the north-west of England, in Cumberland and Westmorland, it is necessary to post a letter by about 2 p.m. on Fridays in order to ensure that it reaches London by first post the following Monday? That is no exaggeration, and applies to other services in proportion. I am sure that he does not consider that satisfactory. Therefore, will he treat this as an urgent matter and look into it again?

Mr. Mawby

We will certainly look into it again, but obviously there are problems, particularly during the weekend. We have certain habits throughout the country which have changed between the 1930s and now. I think that we must accept these conditions and try to work with them.

Mr. W. R. Williams

In case I do not get another opportunity, may I tell the Assistant Postmaster-General how pleased we are with the way in which he has faced his Ministerial ordeal in dealing with Questions for the first time?

Will the hon. Gentleman ask his right hon. Friend whether he will be able to furnish any information to the House when he is presenting his next Report on the working and prospects of the Post Office about the experiment taking place in East Anglia concerning the direct transmission of mails by the Post Office? Secondly, will he ask him whether he will be able to report on any discussions which he may have had with the British Transport Commission as to the probable adverse effects on the postal services of the contraction of railway services and the major reorganisation schemes now going on?

Mr. Vane

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. As the hon. Member for Manchester, Openshaw (Mr. W. R. Williams) has started to make a speech on this Question, which refers specifically to the north-weslt of England, may I ask whether other hon. Members also may make general speeches on the subject?

Mr. Speaker

The Question refers to the north-west and other parts of England We cannot deal with Dr. Beeching's ideas now. That part, perhaps, can be cut out.

Mr. Williams

Further to that point of order. The question of delay in postal services, especially parcel post, is directly associated with the difficulties on the railways. Hence my supplementary question.

Mr. Mawby

The report will be issued within two or three weeks. I will certainly take into account the points that the hon. Member has made.

Sir H. Harrison

Does not my hon. Friend know that it is not only the North-West which suffers delays? It is obvious in many places at the weekend that posting after midday on Friday means that letters are not delivered before the third day.

Mr. Mawby

Yes. Coming from Devon, I know that this is a widespread problem. Naturally, it has its greatest impact in the rural areas at the weekend.