§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of delays in sending mail between north-east Scotland and other parts of the country, particularly London; what are the reasons for the delays; and what action he is taking to remedy them.
§ Mr. BennThough mail to and from north-east Scotland is on occasions delayed in delivery because of exceptionally heavy postings and shortages of staff in some key offices, particularly in London, my inquiries do not suggest that there is any general delay. To meet the problems caused by under-staffing we have had an intensified recruiting campaign for postmen and we are employing more women and part-timers. We are doing all we can to recruit more staff where they are needed, and though a number of offices are still short of staff I am glad to say the situation is improving.