§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Industry what general directions he has given to the Post Office aimed at improving the service and efficiency of the Post Office to that which obtained 50 years ago.
§ Mr. ButcherNone. The Government believe that the way to obtain improvements in the service and efficiency of the Post Office is through setting a framework of stretching financial and performance objectives. In this context I refer the hon. Member to the written answer by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry on 25 February.—[Vol. 18, c.445.] In addition, the Governmen have recently taken steps to introduce competition into certain areas of the postal monopoly. The Monopolies and Mergers Commission also hs an important role to play, and I welcome the positive response by the Post Office to the recommendations of the MMC report into the inner London letter post placed before the House on 31 March 1980.
I am pleased to say that improvements in productivity and quality of service suggest that these measures are having an effect.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Industry if, in the interests of trade and commerce, including British exports, he will give a general direction to the Post Office to maintain a late evening collection.
§ Mr. ButcherNo. The proposed withdrawal of the current late evening collection by the Post Office in certain London postal districts is an operational matter for the commercial judgment of the corporation. I understand, however, that the late collection will continue in the main business districts.