Harpenden Post Office (Staff)

HC Deb 17 November 1964 vol 702 cc178-9

14. Mr. Allason

asked the Postmaster-General what proposals he has to improve the staffing position at the Harpenden Post Office.

Mr. Joseph Slater

We shall continue with intensive advertising and also with our efforts to recruit staff for Harpenden from other places. Meanwhile, we are trying to arrange some loans from elsewhere in the area where, however, staffing difficulties are fairly general.

Mr. Allason

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the service in Harpenden is appalling? They are down to only one delivery a day. In some cases that delivery is at 11.30 a.m., and firms are asked to collect their own mail from the Post Office. Is it enough just to get a few extra postmen from other towns? Cannot the hon. Gentleman do something more definite in view of the scandalous position which exists in Harpenden at the moment?

Mr. Slater

We are looking closely at all aspects of recruitment to ensure that this service is as efficient as possible, but I am sure the hon. Gentleman will agree that we must be careful to recruit reliable people as postmen.