§ Mr. John Pageasked the Secretary of State for Industry how much inward and outward surface mail has been and is being delayed at the docks during the road haulage strike; what attempts were made to move it; what special regulations apply to the movement of Her Majesty's mail during industrial disputes: and what notice of delay was given to the public.
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§ Mr. Les HuckfieldA substantial amount of surface mail to and from countries outside Europe was severely delayed mainly because of industrial action affecting private hauliers who carry the majority of this mail to and from the docks. After some initial difficulty, these services provided by Post Office vehicles to and from the docks operated. No special regulations apply in these circumstances, and it is for the Post Office to decide the best practicable means to keep mail moving. However, congestion in the docks and limited shipping movements, leading to a shortage of empty containers, severely hampered the Post Office's efforts. The Post Office issued a statement about the delays on 17 January to the press, displayed notices at all Post Offices, and made a further announcement on 29 January. Most of the surface mail affected is now moving again although there is still a backlog.