HC Deb 23 January 1969 vol 776 cc643-4
42. Mr. Goodhart

asked the Postmaster-General what investigation he is making of the loss of mailbags containing Christmas post for residents of the Greater London Borough of Bromley.

49. Mr. Hunt

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will make a statement on the discovery in a railway van at Sittingbourne of 71 sacks of mail, including many Christmas cards, destined for the Bromley area.

Mr. Joseph Slater

Some mailbags were seriously delayed in transit and we are seeking an explanation from our contractors.

Mr. Goodhart

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, following the strains imposed by the introduction of the two-tier system, this further delay to a substantial body of mail has caused widespread local fury? Will he ensure that the inquiry's report is made public?

Mr. Slater

I do not dissent from the hon. Member's observations, but we should carry out our inquiry first.

Mr. Hunt

When the hon. Gentleman refers to contractors, does he mean British Rail, and, if so, will he obtain an undertaking from British Rail that this sort of carelessness and inefficiency will not recur?

Mr. Slater

The hon. Member should be satisfied with the Answer which I have given. The inquiry is to be made. Let us conduct the inquiry and find out the facts.

Mr. Lubbock

Why is it that when delays of this serious nature take place it is nearly always impossible for the Post Office to discover the reasons for them? While the investigation is being completed, does the hon. Gentleman not at least think that, on behalf of the Post Office, he should extend an abject apology to people whose mail has been delayed by a whole month?

Mr. Slater

This is something which we are always doing—[Laughter.] That laughter, led by the Leader of the Opposition, at my remark does not deter me from saying what I was going to say. Like my right hon. Friend, I receive many letters from hon. Members always seeking to get something done for their constituents, and we give due care and consideration to the applications made to us. We will constantly face up to the responsibilities which are placed upon us, as we have endeavoured to do over the last four years.

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