HC Deb 03 July 1969 vol 786 cc625-6
5. Mr. Allason

asked the Postmaster-General what steps he is taking to improve postal deliveries in Harpenden.

Mr. Joseph Slater

I am sorry that a shortage of postmen has caused delay to the first delivery and the cancellation of some second deliveries on occasions. We are doing our best to get more staff. With competition from other employers in the area this is difficult, and I cannot promise any immediate improvement.

Mr. Allason

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that deliveries at 11 a.m. or noon are quite unsatisfactory for a first delivery? What steps is he taking to obtain more staff from outside? For example, has he approached the local council to allocate council houses for incoming postal staff?

Mr. Slater

We are doing all we can to overcome the shortage. There is an establishment at Harpenden of 36 postmen and 3 part-timers. There are 14 vacancies. We are taking postmen from other areas to assist in Harpenden.