HC Deb 19 April 1971 vol 815 cc796-7
20. Mr. Costain

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will issue a general direction to the Post Office to ascertain the number of additional staff required for postmen to read electric and gas meters while they deliver mail.

Mr. Chataway

No, Sir.

Mr. Costain

The Minister will be aware that his reply is no surprise to me. Will he look at the proposal again? Is he not aware of the number of postmen who take part-time employment? Is there not some advantage to be gained by having electricity and gas meters read by postmen who are well known to the residents rather than by surprise callers whom they do not know?

Mr. Chataway

This is not a new suggestion. I believe that it has been considered by both the Gas and Electricity Councils, together with a number of other suggestions which have been made over the years. However, I am sure that they and the Post Office will consider what my hon. Friend said.

Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

While the Minister is, I hope, rejecting the advice of his hon. Friend, will he also reject the advice offered to him this morning that the postmen ought to deliver the milk and the bread as well?

Mr. Chataway

It is not unknown for postmen to do that in some areas. However, this is not a matter for a general direction.

Mr. Wellbeloved

The postmen would certainly be interested in delivering a leaflet for the right hon. Gentleman indicating that builders are to reduce house-prices by £120 because of the reduction in S.E.T. Will the right hon. Gentleman help his hon. Friend the Member for Folkestone and Hythe (Mr. Costain) by arranging that?

Mr. Chataway

I am not sure that I entirely follow the drift of that question.