§ 20. Mr. Peelasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the many complaints, particularly from business firms, about delays in the postal services to and from the city of Leicester; and what steps he proposes to take to improve these services.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterI am sorry that there have been delays. They have been due, in the main, to shortages of staff in Leicester itself, and in some other main sorting offices elsewhere. We are doing all we can to recruit additional staff and, meanwhile, to keep delays to a minimum.
§ Mr. PeelDoes the Minister expect that the over 30 per cent. increase in postal charges is likely to have a commensurate effect in respect of increased efficiency in the postal services in this vitally important industrial and commercial city in Britain? If not, when does he expect the industrial and commercial activities of Leicester to overcome this obstacle to efficiency?
§ Mr. SlaterI am very conscious of the remarks the hon. Member makes on the position. There has been passed on to him, together with other Members for Leicester constituencies, a letter from the Chamber of Commerce. We are conscious of the fact that an efficient postal service is of fundamental importance to industry and to the community at large. I can only repeat that we are doing everything we can to see that such a service is maintained.
§ Sir W. Bromley-DavenportDo not all these answers indicate that the Post Office is yet another example of the failure of nationalised industries—worse services, gigantic losses, and increased costs?
§ Mr. SlaterIn reply to the hon. and gallant Member, I would point out that after 13 years of control of this great 502 organisation by his party we are now the recipients of what he is now seeking to indicate to the House is the position of the Post Office.
§ Mr. SpeakerWe are getting outside the confines of the City of Leicester.