HC Deb 07 November 1968 vol 772 cc148-9W
74. Mr. Donald Williams

asked the Postmaster-General if he will define what is now meant by the terms first-class and second-class mail.

Mr. Stonehouse

First and second-class letters are defined in Regulation 1 of the Inland Post Regulations, 1968.

78. Sir Knox Cunningham

asked the Postmaster-General what is the length of time taken for first- and second-class mail, respectively, which has been collected in London before delivery in Belfast; and how this period of time com pares with that taken for the delivery of mail between those cities before the introduction of first- and second-class postal services.

Mr. Stonehouse

If posted in time for the main evening collection in London, first class letters for Belfast should be delivered by first post next day, and, now that air conveyance is being used, second class letters generally a day later. The service for second class letters is about the same as that formerly given to printed papers.

79. Sir Knox Cunningham

asked the Postmaster-General what are his reasons for sending second-class mail by surface rather than by air between Great Britain and Northern Ireland; and what are the costs of Post Office staff used for the handling of such mail and the costs of transporting such mail, respectively.

Mr. Stonehouse

As I announced in the debate on 4th November, I have decided to send some second class letters to and from Northern Ireland by air at an extra cost of about £70,000 a year. Some second class letters will continue to be sent by surface routes, as were former printed papers, to keep conveyance costs within reasonable bounds for letters prepaid at the lower rate and thereby designated as less urgent.

I am sorry the information asked for in the second part of the Question is not readily available.—[Vol. 772, c. 618.]