HL Deb 30 October 1989 vol 512 c6

2.51 p.m.

Lord Moyne asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Post Office is advising the public to mark all first-class letters for the Irish Republic "Air Mail" to the detriment of the Irish Mail service of our national railways.

The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Trefgarne)

My Lords, the mode of transportation of mail is an operational matter for the Post Office board. I understand that two letter services are operated to the Republic of Ireland: air mail and surface mail, distinguished by price. The Post Office's notice in fact applied only to air mail traffic and made no reference to the surface service available. The Post Office is aware of this anomaly and intends to take steps to clarify the situation and resolve the matter as soon as possible.

Lord Moyne

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reply. As he has said that clarification is necessary, I take it that he will not be surprised that I have come across several postmen on the beat, as well as at the counter of the post office in Westminster, who say that under new regulations it is now necessary to put air mail stickers on letters for Europe and Ireland.

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I hear what my noble friend says. However, the arrangement whereby there is a second-class service to the Republic of Ireland is unique to the Republic and certainly within the European Community. So although there are perhaps some disadvantages as regards the present arrangements, there are also advantages. Nonetheless, the situation is slightly anomalous and the Post Office has said that it intends to resolve the matter.

Lord Williams of Elvel

My Lords, as the Republic of Ireland is a member of the Community, why should there be a distinction between mail sent to that country and mail sent to other members of the Community? Why should there be a first-class or second-class service, or whatever it is, to one and not to the other?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, frankly, that is the first question which I asked my officials this morning when I was being briefed on the matter. The short answer is that a special consideration applies because of the border with Northern Ireland.

Lord Williams of Elvel

My Lords, would the noble Lord like to elaborate on what that special consideration is?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, there are some places in the Republic which are very close indeed to places in the United Kingdom; namely, Northern Ireland. It has seemed to be appropriate to have a second-class service for those destinations.