§ Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on the future investment programme of the Post Office and its adverse effects on employment in development areas, and especially in Central Fife.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieI am in close touch with the Post Office and the telecommunications supply industry on the problems facing them, which arise from the reduced growth of the level of demand. It is the Post Office's responsibility to place orders on the basis of its judgment of future demand: I cannot predict their effect on individual areas. I hope that the current discussions will serve to ameliorate the present difficulties, but I cannot properly press the Post Office to buy what it does not need.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether the inquiry he is to arrange into the efficiency and administration of the Post Office and its services will be such as to permit members of the general public and their Members of Parliament to submit evidence of maladministration upon the part of the Post Office and its staff.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieI must ask my hon. Friend to await the announcement of the terms of reference.
§ Mr. Dodsworthasked the Secretary of State for Industry what general directions he has given to the Post Office to deal with industrial disputes which prevent the collection and delivery of letters.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieNone.