§ 38. Mr. David Steelasked the Postmaster-General how many households in the United Kingdom do not receive a daily postal service; and what steps he is taking to reduce the figure.
Mr. ShortAbout 4,000, mostly on off-shore islands, with some in other remote rural areas. A daily service is given to such places when the amount of correspondence for delivery is enough to make the cost worthwhile.
§ Mr. SteelDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is extraordinary that, in this day and age, there should be places on the mainland of Britain that do not receive a daily postal service? Will he look again at the case I sent to him—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. It is difficult to have Question Time against a background of conversation.
§ Mr. SteelWill the right hon. Gentleman look again at the case I sent him from my constituency, where the service is technically feasible although admittedly at a fairly high cost per letter?
Mr. ShortThe hon. Gentleman wrote me about Upper Ettrick Valley and I replied on 11th February. The cost per letter would have been Is. 6d. and we felt that this was too high to meet.