§ 3. Mr. William Priceasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what percentage of second-class letters are now delivered within two days of posting.
§ Sir J. EdenThe latest Post Office figures show that for the 12 months ending October last 87 per cent. of second-class letters were delivered within two working days of posting.
§ Mr. PriceAlthough that is a remarkable figure, are there not significant variations in different parts of the country and, indeed, in different parts of the week? A letter posted early in the week arrives much quicker than one posted half-way through the week. Is the Minister aware that the service in the Midlands appears to be deteriorating, and will he look at the staffing position there?
§ Sir J. EdenThat is a detailed matter within the management responsibility of the Post Office. I cannot comment upon 5 the individual variations to which the hon. Gentleman has drawn attention, although undoubtedly they exist.
§ Dr. GlynWill my right hon. Friend consider whether it is necessary to have two classes of mail? Has he gone into the cost of sorting the mail into two classes? Would it not be easier to have one class of mail and one rate?
§ Sir J. EdenThe answer to my hon. Friend's question is that it would probably not be in the general interest to do as he suggests. There have always been two rates of postal tariff. The whole question of the future structure of the postal services is continuously under careful consideration.