HC Deb 26 October 1966 vol 734 cc997-8
29. Mr. Tilney

asked the Postmaster-General how many streets in Liverpool get their first post later now than they did in 1964.

Mr. Joseph Slater

About 1,200, but 2,500 streets get their first post earlier.

Mr. Tilney

Is the Assistant Postmaster-General aware that some business men in Liverpool have had to change their hours of work because of postal delay? Is he further aware that I have in my hand four first-class mail letters, posted from different parts of the country to a comparatively small firm in Liverpool on Thursday, none of which arrived the following day? Can he take up with British Railways the question of the frequent late arrival of the London to Liverpool mail train?

Mr. Slater

We have taken note of the latter part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. I have no doubt that we will be able to discuss this with British Railways. We are not responsible for British Railways; we are responsible for the postal service. I do not know if the hon. Gentleman was in the House on 2nd August, 1965, when my right hon. Friend the then Postmaster-General informed the House that the scheduled finishing time of the first delivery in Liverpool, as in other towns—not only in Liverpool—was being extended by 15 minutes, as part of the effort to reduce costs and improve labour utilisation.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

Has not the Assistant Postmaster-General made a most extraordinary statement in saying that he feels no responsibility for the British Railways mail train? Is it not his business, however the letters are carried, whether by stagecoach, aeroplane or rail, to see that they get there on time?

Mr. Slater

We have the Royal Mail train but we are not responsible for running British Railways and the hon. Gentleman should realise that.