HC Deb 23 February 1966 vol 725 c409
58. Mr. Harry Howarth

asked the Postmaster-General what progress has been made in introducing mechanised sorting of parcels.

Mr. Benn

We have introduced the tilted belt parcel sorting machine at Preston, Worcester, Aberdeen and Leeds and experience has shown that for our purposes it is superior to any other parcel sorting equipment yet developed. Four more offices will have the machines this year and further machines will be installed in all major sorting offices as new or extended buildings are completed.

Mr. Howarth

With the extension of mechanisation, does my right hon. Friend expect a reduction in the postage rates because of the smaller need for handling by manual staff?

Mr. Benn

On the parcel post there is a heavy loss already, but mechanisation will enable the parcels dealt with to be handled more economically. In the long term, therefore, this will have a bearing on costs and charges.