§ Mr. FORRESTasked the Postmaster-General why letters posted in Pontefract on Sunday do not leave the town until 9.30 a.m. on Monday; and will he look into this matter in the interests if business and private communities?
§ Mr. PEASELetters posted in Pontefract on Sunday are collected at 12.15 a.m. on Monday for the early morning delivery in the town and neighbourhood. The first dispatch of mails from Pontefract on Monday is at present by the 9.40 a.m. train to Leeds. The practicability of arranging for an earlier dispatch is being considered.
§ Mr. FORRESTasked the Postmaster-General why there is no delivery of letters in Pontefract after one o'clock on Thursdays; whether this is due to the half-holiday of the postal employés; and, if it is, whether, considering the claims of business, the authorities will make arrangements for some portion of the staff to remain on duty then and to have their half-holiday on some other day?
§ Mr. PEASEThe third house-to-house delivery of letters at Pontefract has been suspended on Thursdays, with the consent of the local authorities, in order to give the postmen partial relief from duty on one day in the week. Similar arrangements are in force at many other towns throughout the country. The alternative arrangement suggested by the hon. Member is not practicable. Letters can be obtained on Thursday afternoon by callers at the Pontefract Post Office without charge.