§ LORD WAKEFIELD OF KENDALMy 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 when it is expected that the first-class postal delivery service will return to normal.]
§ LORD DENHAMMy Lords, this is a management matter for the Post Office, but I understand that it expects service standards to be fully restored soon after Easter.
§ LORD WAKEFIELD OF KENDALMy Lords, while thanking my noble friend for that reply, may I ask him whether he is aware that the first-class postal service continues to be very erratic, and that some letters are taking four or five days, or more, to reach their destination? Do not the Government think that the time has arrived when we 2 should follow the practice in Holland of having an alternative service, so that the customer may have a choice and there can be competition in the provision of a really good service for the public?
§ LORD DENHAMMy Lords, with regard to my noble friend's first supplementary question, the acting Chairman of the Post Office warned on television and at a Press conference that it will take about six weeks to get services running properly again after the strike. The suggestion contained in my noble friend's second supplementary question is a little wide of the original Question, but I will certainly draw it to the attention of my right honourable friend.
§ LORD WAKEFIELD OF KENDALMy Lords, I am much obliged to my noble friend.