§ 26. Mr. Marquandasked the Postmaster-General what are his plans for increasing productivity in the postal services.
§ Mr. Edward ShortIn co-operation with outside consultants we are making thorough-going studies of methods and procedures and staffing techniques at counters in sorting offices and clerical offices. In addition we have a large-scale programme to mechanise mail handling and sorting processes, which I announced recently.
All these projects are expected to contribute substantially to increasing postal productivity.
§ Mr. MarquandI welcome that reply, but is my right hon. Friend aware that in London and many other big cities postmen still deliver letters to each separate flat in blocks of flats whereas on the Continent tenants of flats generally have to provide locked letter boxes on the ground floor? Will he circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT an estimate of the improvement 770 in productivity which would result if that practice were adopted in this country?
§ Mr. ShortIt would not be possible to assess that with any degree of accuracy. We are, of course, grateful for the cooperation of local authorities and property developers in allowing this sort of thing to be done. It helps a great deal, especially in London where the labour shortage is acute.
§ Mr. RidsdaleHow can the right hon. Gentleman say that productivity is being increased when services are being cut and charges are being raised? Are not this Government a Government who get things done to the detriment of the consumer?
§ Mr. ShortWe are certainly a Government who get things done. To come back to the Question and away from the generalities, I have announced that we were starting an enormous programme of modernisation. By the mid-1970s, this will be saving the Post Office £10 million a year, which will give us a return of 25 per cent. on our capital.