§ 11. Mr. O'Halloranasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what percentage of parcel post is now delivered on the following day; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir J. EdenAbout one-third.
§ Mr. O'HalloranDoes the Minister realise that it takes up to a week for a parcel posted in London to be delivered inside London? Will he consider investigating this with a view to providing a general improvement in the whole service of the parcel post?
§ Sir J. EdenThe delivery of parcels by the second working day after posting has in fact improved from 71 per cent. to 76 per cent. since the Post Office's last annual report. There is a variety of different means by which parcels can be delivered, and I think it is up to the individual to determine the service which will give him the most satisfaction. Here again, however, this is a matter which I know gives rise to a good deal of concern within the Post Office in ensuring that wherever delays arise they can be overcome. Very often, as the hon. Gentleman knows, these are not wholly within the hands of the Post Office itself.