HC Deb 06 July 1949 vol 466 cc159-60W
59. Mr. Cooper

asked the Postmaster-General if a plan has been worked out by his Department steadily to improve the postal services so that at an early date they will be up to the standard of pre-war services with earlier deliveries and later collections as an essential part in improving the standards of business efficiency and productivity of this country.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

My Department has a definite plan of steady work for maximum efficiency within the present framework of postal services; the provision of earlier deliveries and later collections is bound up with national manpower resources.

60. Mr. N. Macpherson

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the recent resolution of the Association of British Chambers of Commerce, a copy of which has been sent to him, urging the immediate restoration of an extended postal service, particularly later evening collections, to be provided locally where reasonable and practicable; and what action he proposes to take.

Mr. Wilfrid Paling

Yes. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for East Nottingham (Mr. Harrison) on 22nd June.

Mr. Cooper-Key

asked the Postmaster-General what factors are preventing a return to the pre-war late collection postal facilities; and whether he will state the increased cost in wages and other expenses in reintroducing such a service.

Mr. Wilfrid Paling

I regret that the restoration of pre-war late collection facilities is precluded by the over-riding necessity to conserve national manpower. The estimated overall cost of restoring such facilities would be of the order of £1 million a year.