HC Deb 12 May 1965 vol 712 cc494-5
6. Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Postmaster-General what action he will take on the delays in the postal service from the West Country to the Midland and London areas.

Mr. Joseph Slater

My right hon. Friend much regrets any delays which have occurred in recent months. Shortage of staff in some of the main postal centres has been largely responsible. We are doing all we can to recruit additional staff and, meanwhile, if the hon. Gentleman would like to let me have details of any specific case of delay which he has in mind we shall be glad to look into the matter.

Mr. Mills

Will the hon Gentleman bear in mind that there are considerable delays in postage to the West Country? Indeed, I recently received a letter which took three days to reach me. Will he also bear in mind that industrialists have complained to me and that this situation is no help in development districts?

Mr. Slater

I have every sympathy with the hon. Gentleman's observations, and I am conscious that an efficient postal service is of fundamental importance to industry and the community at large. I am doing all I can to see that such a service is maintained.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that the main delay is occurring in the Bristol area? I have written to his Department several times about this. Will he take urgent steps to do something about the delays in Bristol? All of us in the West Country are suffering from very bad service.

Mr. Slater

Where delays are brought to our notice a thorough investigation takes place and we seek to put things right.