§ Mr. HURDasked the Postmaster-General whether it is a rule of his Department to regulate the frequency of 709W postal deliveries by the relative cost of the service in the various areas; if he is aware that in the Exmoor area houses within four miles of a post office get deliveries on three days a week only, and that perishable goods contained in parcels are frequently rendered valueless in consequence; and will he state the figures of the costs of the present service and of an increased service in the area on which the refusal to provide more frequent deliveries is based?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe frequency of postal deliveries in thinly populated districts must necessarily bear some relation to the volume of correspondence and to the cost of providing the services. I am aware that places in the Exmoor area have only three deliveries weekly. I will ascertain the figures of cost and communicate later with the hon. Member.