§ 16. Sir B. Jannerasked the Postmaster-General whether he is now satisfied that the new postal arrangements are working according to plan and with the measures taken to make them understood by the public; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StonehouseYes, Sir.
§ Sir B. JannerIs my right hon. Friend aware that there are still a large number of people who are not aware of the delays likely to be incurred when the 4d. stamp is used? Will he ascertain whether the delays are causing undue anxiety to people?
§ Mr. StonehouseI do not believe that they are causing undue anxiety, because the public know that if they want a first priority they must send their mail by first-class post, and 94 per cent. of it will be delivered by the next day. Over 90 per cent. of second-class post is delivered by the second day after posting. This is a very reliable service.
§ 22. Mr. Ian Gilmourasked the Postmaster General what further plans he has regarding the timing of the delivery of second-class post; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StonehouseNone, Sir.
§ Mr. GilmourIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the public would regard any further deterioration in the 4d. post as intolerable? Will he, therefore, unequivocally repudiate the remarks made on the subject in the Wesil Report?
§ Mr. StonehouseThere has been no deterioration in the 4d. post, which is achieving the delivery performance that was planned for it. I in no way intend to delay the delivery of second class mail. The standard of performance we now have provides a service to the public, and we shall maintain it.
§ Sir W. Bromley-DavenportCan the right hon. Gentleman state how much overtime has been paid directly or indirectly to Post Office staff to delay 4d. mail?
§ Mr. StonehouseNone, Sir.