HC Deb 01 June 1967 vol 747 cc229-30
18. Mr. Evelyn King

asked the Postmaster-General why letters addressed to Ower Quay, Corfe Castle, Wareham, are not delivered until ten minutes to ten in the morning.

Mr. Joseph Slater

To reduce costs, the delivery round which takes in Ower Quay has been motorised with the result that we reach some addresses in the area earlier and some later than before. We could not improve the delivery time at Ower Quay without either making the time worse for other people or putting up our costs again.

Mr. King

Does not a 4d. stamp entitle the user to some equality of service? Can the hon. Gentleman explain why Corfe Castle should be subjected to so monstrous an inconvenience when counties and cities get two or three deliveries a day?

Mr. Slater

This area was being covered by cycle post and we introduced a motor post within the area. Although the motor van is faster than the cycles, which is understandable, it has further to go. [An HON. MEMBER: "Progress!"] This is progress, but the van has further to go. It will be seen that it reaches some points earlier on its route, but there are bound to be other places which will receive their mail later than was the case.

Mr. King

I wish to give notice that in view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I will seek leave to raise this matter upon the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.