§ 2.39 p.m.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Postal Code, which has been operating experimentally in the Norwich area, has proved successful; and if so, whether it is anticipated that this form of postal address will be extended to other parts of the country, and when.]
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT (LORD CHESHAM)My Lords, the results obtained at Norwich so far are quite encouraging. The use of these codes by the public generally is essential if we are to get the full benefits 647 of mechanised letter sorting, an experiment in which recently began at Luton. At a later stage the results of the Norwich and Luton experiments will have to be brought together. Only then shall we be able to decide whether the use of postal codes should be extended.
EARL FERRERSMy Lords, whilst thanking the noble Lord for the Answer which he has given, may I ask whether it is anticipated by Her Majesty's Government, should this experiment be a success, that every house in the country will be given a postal code, or is it supposed to refer to only the larger towns?
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, so far as I know, it is hoped that if these experiments (the mechanised sorting side of which is still in an early stage) are successful, that would be the case in the long run.