§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Postmaster-General why, in view of the improved wages and working conditions of the staff, the introduction of machines and electronic equipment, &c., the increase of postage charges by 400 per cent. there is now generally a 50 per cent. reduction of collections and a 50 per cent. reduction in delivery of mail, compared with 30 years ago; and what action he proposes to take to restore the postal services to their former speed and efficiency.
§ Mr. Edward ShortMy hon. Friend should also bear in mind that the Postman's basic wage has been increased by over 300 per cent. and his basic hours reduced by over 10 per cent. in the last 30 years. Staff costs account for over 70 per cent. of the costs of the postal service. We have had, in the face of rising costs over the years, to seek the most acceptable mixture of service reductions and increased charges. The pattern of pre-war services would be very costly in financial terms and indefensible in terms of use of manpower. As the Select Committee on Nationalised Industries has recently shown, the postal service in this226W country still gives very good value for money; we shall continue to do all we can to improve its reliability.