HC Deb 15 December 1965 vol 722 cc1236-7
1. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that letters dispatched from Central London are now taking two or more days to reach destinations in the County of Angus where previously they were normally delivered in 24 hours; and what steps he is taking to remedy this position.

53. Mr. Buchanan-Smith

asked the Postmaster-General what is the average time taken for letters posted in London to arrive in north-east Scotland; and how this compares with a year ago.

The Assistant Postmaster-General (Mr. Joseph Slater)

There is no general delay in delivery to this part of Scotland. Letters posted in London by the early evening are normally delivered there on the following weekday, except for remote rural areas where they may take an additional day. This service is the same as that given a year ago.

If, however, the hon. Gentlemen have details of any particular delays I will gladly look into them.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his reply shows that communications in his Department are even worse than we feared? Is he aware that, to my knowledge, there has been no example of a letter arriving with as little delay as he indicates, and will he suggest to his right hon. Friend that instead of concentrating on producing a whole lot of new stamps he should produce a decent service for this area?

Mr. Slater

I accept that the hon. Gentleman really believes that what he is saying is correct, but perhaps I might point out that even in his own constituency there has been only one complaint within the last six months.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that as well as having to face increased charges, the public are having to put up with letters taking a week to arrive, and parcels a fortnight to arrive, in parts of Scotland? Is this the kind of service which the public are to expect in the future?

Mr. Slater

All I can say is that apart from the criticism which the hon. Gentleman seeks to direct against the Department, the information that I have from the inquiries that I have made is that there is no general delay.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.