HC Deb 02 November 1966 vol 735 cc447-8
24 and 25. Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) at what time and date an overnight telegram despatched to him by the hon. Member for Tiverton was delivered to his Department; what action was taken; when that action was taken; and when he was informed of the content of the telegram;

(2) what instructions he has given concerning action to be taken when telegrams addressed to him arrive in his Department on Saturdays and Sundays.

Mr. Peart

I wrote to the hon. Member on the 26th October about this matter.

Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

Is the Minister aware that the Postmaster-General's Department claims that overnight telegrams are delivered first post next day and that this is quite contrary to what the Minister said to me in his letter? Will he knock his head together with his right hon. Friend and let the House know how his Department contacts the Minister at weekends? Will he answer Question No. 25, which he said he was taking with Question No. 24?

Mr. Peart

The hon. Member feels aggrieved about the Post Office because he chose to send an overnight telegram, which I understand is cheaper, though I appreciate the reason why he did it. What I am concerned with is much more important, and that is to meet the hon. Gentleman. I have agreed to meet him, as he well knows, to discuss the problems of Tiverton. After all, he said, "Request meeting within next three weeks." That was not very urgent.