HL Deb 18 December 1974 vol 355 cc1160-1

2.40 p.m.

Lord INGLEWOOD

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 on what date the automatic parcel letter tray and packet handling system installed for the Birmingham post office was completed and ready for use; when it was brought into full operation; and what is the estimated annual saving expressed both in terms of cash and in manpower.

The MINISTER of STATE, DEPARTMENT of INDUSTRY (LORD BESWICK)

My Lords, these are operational matters for which the Post Office is responsible. I am therefore asking its Chairman to write to the noble Lord.

Lord INGLEWOOD

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that that is rather a weak Answer? Could he not give some indication that the Post Office is at least not hostile to innovation in the way that is widely believed as a result of their handling—and some of their men's handling—of this important piece of new equipment?

Lord BESWICK

My Lords, I am sorry that the noble Lord thinks that I gave a weak Answer. It happens to be a truthful one. I do not accept the deduction he draws that, because a letter tray in Birmingham post office is not working, the Post Office is hostile to modern equipment.