§ 42. Mr. Longdenasked the Postmaster-General to what extent the reliability of first-class mail is affected by manpower availability and the need for economy; and whether, under his regulations, if first-class mail is not delivered within 24 hours, the sender is allowed to reclaim the 1d. surcharge.
§ Mr. StonehouseOccasionally deliveries may be later than normal because of staff shortages or unforeseen absences. We do not guarantee to deliver first-class mail within 24 hours, and the question of refundment of any part of the postage paid does not therefore arise.
§ 43. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Postmaster-General what improvement 432W has taken place in the delivery speed of first-class mail since the introduction of the two-tier system of postal charges.
§ Mr. Stonehouse94 per cent. of first-class mail is now delivered by the next weekday after posting. In the last full year before two tier, when the quantity of first class mail was, of course, higher the percentage was 92 per cent.
§ 45. Mr. Leadbitterasked the Postmaster-General how many man hours are currently being spent each week in sorting out the first-class and second-class mail; how much has been spent to date on overtime on this sorting since the introduction of the scheme; and what is the total cost of publicising the scheme on television, the national Press and circulars issued from his Department.
§ Mr. StonehouseThe separation of first-class mail from second-class mail is but one operation in a number in the handling of the total correspondence, and I cannot give this information without detailed enquiry at some hundreds of offices which would involve considerable expense. The cost of publicising the scheme was about £275,000.