§ 32 and 33. Mr. Ronald Bellasked the Postmaster-General (1) how many postmen have been violently attacked in the course of their duty since 1st October, 1968; and in how many of these attacks ammonia or other chemical substances were used;
§ (2) what proportion of registered or other valuable packages is delivered on the first postal delivery; what proportion of violent attacks on postmen occur in the course of the first delivery; and what change has taken place in the number of such attacks since the introduction of British Standard Time, in comparison with previous years.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterFive postmen have been attacked: in one attack a chemical substance was used. One of these attacks was on a first delivery postman. There was none in the corresponding periods of 1966 and 1967.
§ Mr. BellDoes the hon. Member realise that there is widespread feeling among postmen that this is a consequence of British Standard Time and the consequently darker mornings in which these deliveries are made? Has he received representations to that effect, and what representations is he making to his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department?
§ Mr. SlaterAs the hon. Member will be aware, the question of British Summer Time is not one for my Department. Up to the moment we have had no representations on the matter as far as I know. I will draw my right hon. Friend's attention to the comments and observations made by the hon. and learned Member.