HC Deb 19 January 1970 vol 794 cc19-20
23. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will issue a general direction to the Post Office that they should take steps to ensure that letters and cards, whether first- or second-class postage rates, posted to the House of Commons should be delivered in under four days.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (Mr. Norman Pentland)

No, Sir.

Mr. Lewis

Is it not right that constituents who wish to raise urgent matters which they feel that their Members of Parliament should deal with, should have those letters delivered here as quickly as possible and without delay? Members want to get on with their work and want their constituents to be assisted in all possible ways. Surely preference should be given to matters like this?

Mr. Pentland

I am aware of my hon. Friend's concern, but I am advised, that, as a general rule, first-class letters and postcards are delivered to the House on the working day after posting and that second-class mail normally takes a day longer. If my hon. Friend has any specific complaints in mind, I hope that he will pursue them with the Post Office.

Mr. Lewis

I have sent details but have had no satisfaction—

Mr. Speaker

Order.

Mr. Lane

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there has been a steady deterioration in the second-class service, not necessarily only that involving the House of Commons? What steps is he taking to get the Post Office to put this right?

Mr. Pentland

Neither my right hon. Friend nor I have any responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Post Office. If any hon. Member has complaints of this kind, he should take them up with the Post Office.