§ 2. Mr. Wallasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what proportion of first-class mail posted on Fridays is delivered on Saturdays.
§ Mr. ChatawaySeparate statistics are not available for Saturdays, but I understand from the Post Office that the proportion of overnight postings delivered is rather less than that of 94 per cent. on other days because there is no second delivery and many firms are closed.
§ Mr. WallI accept that statistics are difficult to obtain, but would my hon. Friend agree that there is a fairly widespread view that it is not worth putting a 3p stamp on an envelope on a Friday if it is not going to be delivered on the Saturday? Is he also aware that much of the official mail from this House posted before the end of business on a Friday does not arrive in constituencies until the Monday?
§ Mr. ChatawayIf there is that belief, it is not well founded. I am told by the Post Office that 84 per cent. of first-class mail posted the day before is available for first delivery, and that that figure probably holds good for a Saturday—although some proportion of that 84 per cent. cannot actually be delivered because the firm is closed.