§ 8. Mr. McCrindleasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what change there has been in the average time taken to deliver inland telegrams over the past three years.
§ Sir J. EdenThe Post Office tells me that the average increase has been four minutes when delivery is by hand and one minute when by telephone.
§ Mr. McCrindleIs my right hon. Friend aware that, to ensure the arrival of a greetings telegram, according to my evidence, it is essential to despatch it at least 24 hours in advance of the event? Is he also aware that I have further evidence showing that the speed of delivery of a telegram is not very much better than the speed of delivery of a first-class letter? Does he agree that, if the service is to be patronised, the postal authorities must improve on this record?
§ Sir J. EdenIt would be wrong to let this matter rest with my hon. Friend's concluding words, indicating that the service is as bad as he described it. I am sure he recognises that there are special difficulties in recruiting telegraphists and junior postmen. The Post Office is doing its best to overcome these difficulties.