HL Deb 22 June 1990 vol 520 cc1167-8

Lord Boyd-Carpenter asked Her Majesty's Government:

In what districts the Post Office has now started a system of Sunday collections.

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

My Lords, I understand that the Post Office has now started a system of Sunday collections in 50 of the 63 postal districts. Those postal districts where Sunday collections are not yet in operation are Brighton, Canterbury, Chelmsford, the City of London, Croydon, Milton Keynes, North-East London, North-West London, Paddington and Harrow, Romford, South-East London, South-West London and Tonbridge.

Lord Boyd-Carpenter

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that Answer. Is he aware that his list does not indicate that among the districts excluded are Reading and Newbury? Those of us who live in the area are not enjoying the benefit. Can he clarify the matter?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I can only tell my noble friend what I have been advised; and that was reflected in my Answer. If there is a difficulty in Reading and Newbury perhaps my noble friend will allow me to look into the matter.

Lord Monkswell

My Lords, does the Minister appreciate that it would be better for the Post Office to concentrate on delivering first-class mail on the next working day after posting rather than concentrating its attention on the distraction of Sunday collections?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I hope that it will concentrate on both issues.

The Earl of Lauderdale

My Lords, has my noble friend been advised about when Sunday collections will start in London?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I understand that the Post Office hopes to have Sunday collections implemented everywhere in the United Kingdom by autumn this year.

Lord Williams of Elvel

My Lords, is the Minister aware of press reports indicating that the delivery structure of the Post Office is under serious review? Is it the case that the Post Office intends to cut out the early delivery and have only one later morning delivery?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I am not aware of any plans to reduce the number of deliveries as suggested by the noble Lord. However, if I am mistaken I shall write to him.

Lord Annan

My Lords, can the Minister explain why there are no week-day collections in the NW8 district where the post-boxes have again been blocked up and locked owing to unofficial industrial action?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, there are still staffing difficulties in the London districts including, I fear, NW8. For that reason most of the areas to which I referred where Sunday collections have not yet begun are in London; and the Post Office is making a special effort to correct the situation.

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