HL Deb 06 November 1968 vol 297 cc221-2
LORD SORENSEN

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether it is the intention of the Postmaster General to substitute square pillar boxes for the traditional cylindrical type; what is the advantage of this replacement, and what is the estimated period before the whole operation is completed.]

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, the Post Office is experimenting with 200 rectangular boxes which have been designed so that they are more easily emptied and maintained. If they are a success my right honourable friend will consider replacing the present design by boxes of the new shape as and when the old ones wear out. As the traditional type lasts for fifty years or more it would be many years before replacement could be completed.

LORD SORENSEN

I thank the noble Lord for that reply. May I ask whether he is aware that some of these cylindrical boxes have been in existence for at least a hundred years and still have the monogram "V.R." on the side? In those circumstances may I ask him what is the approximate total cost of the change and whether we can take it that this is merely an experiment?

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, if I were to give my noble friend the total cost it would be necessary to spread it over the hundred years or so to which he referred, and I do not feel that I am able to give him that figure. But I appreciate what he says about the interest of these pieces of Victorian equipment, and no doubt some sale could be found for them in other directions.

BARONESS HORSBRUGH

My Lords, can the noble Lord give us any reason for making the change?

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, I thought that was in my original Answer.

LORD HAWKE

My Lords, will Her Majesty's Government confirm that these boxes will be painted a pillar box red?

LORD BESWICK

Yes, my Lords.

LORD GRIMSTON OF WESTBURY

My Lords, how will it be decided that these square boxes are a success as against the old round ones?

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, I have no doubt that there will be an O. and M. investigation.

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