§ 32. Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Postmaster-General how many public lectures were given by officials of his Department, how many public showings of films 1247 about his Department there were, and how many public displays, demonstrations and exhibitions about his Department have taken place during the last 12 months.
§ Mr. BennIn the last 12 months there have been about 3,600 public lectures by Post Office officials, 2,400 public showings of films and 8,700 public displays, demonstrations and exhibitions about my Department.
§ Mr. JenkinWill the right hon. Gentleman recognise that this is a very valuable way by which officials of his Department can assess public reaction to the services he is providing? Is he aware that in the case of a statutory monopoly one often has the impression that complaints are received rather in the way of one kicking against cotton wool? Does he not agree that officials who are in contact with the public through the media mentioned in the Question are more likely to give a service which meets the public's requirements?
§ Mr. BennI fully accept what the hon. Gentleman says and there is no Department in closer contact with the public than the Post Office. It is for this reason that we set up the Users' Council, so that the users may be really organised in their representations to us. These exhibitions and displays also help the public to get the most out of the services which we now offer to them, and I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his comments on the subject.