HC Deb 26 October 1966 vol 734 cc1000-1
31. Mr. Derek Page

asked the Postmaster-General what steps he proposes to allow reception of machine-franked mail after normal Post Office hours.

Mr. Joseph Slater

It is in the interests of both the Post Office and its customers that mail should be posted as early in the day as possible. However, where franking machine users need to hand in their mail after the counter is closed, head postmasters have been instructed to do their best to meet them. The actual arrangements will depend on local circumstances. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind and will let me have details, I shall be glad to look into it.

Mr. Page

While I am delighted to hear that head postmasters have been given instructions to help where possible, may I ask whether my hon. Friend can say precisely what form this help takes? Will he give an assurance that he will look into the position at King's Lynn and make sure that all possible help is being given to firms there?

Mr. Slater

Apart from handing franked mail over the counter, customers can put it in special envelopes, and post them in specified boxes. The amount that can be posted in this way is limited. People are supposed to use this facility for urgent matter only, and for no more items than can be enclosed in one of the special envelopes.

Mr. Tilney

Is the Assistant Postmaster-General aware that I have an example when early mail has failed to arrive the following day, whereas late mail has? Is not this almost African in its standard?

Mr. Slater

I do not dispute this but this sort of thing can happen. Like other hon. Gentlemen in this House, the hon. Gentleman is associated with certain business interests and just as I would say that in his field of operations he is not 100 per cent. perfect so we do not claim to be 100 per cent. perfect.

Sir A. V. Harvey

Does what the Assistant Postmaster-General has said apply to envelopes containing football pools?