HC Deb 25 January 1968 vol 757 cc569-70
21. Mr. John Smith

asked the Postmaster-General to what extent the mechanisation of the Post Office at Norwich has improved service to Post Office users: and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Joseph Slater

The early developments in mechanisation in Norwich were designed to peg costs and reduce manpower. Our present experiments there have the same objective and we are using Norwich to prove equipment for general introduction throughout the country.

Mr. Smith

Will the hon. Gentleman take care to see that mechanisation does not drive out consumer choice and human variety altogether?

Mr. Slater

Yes.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

Is it not the case that while a number of people in Norfolk, as elsewhere, have had trouble with their letters, this is not due to what goes on in Norwich, where the post office is working very well?

Mr. Slater

Yes.