§ Squadron-Leader Hollisasked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to-the fact that Mr. R. W. Horton, of Broad Hinton, near Swindon, posted by registered post his nominating papers as a candidate for the Wiltshire County Council on Thursday, 14th February, and that these papers were not delivered to the returning officer at Chippenham, 20 miles distant until 5 p.m. on Monday, 18th February, thus rendering Mr. Horton's candidature invalid; and whether he will give guarantees of a more reliable postal service in that district in future.
§ Mr. BurkeI have ascertained that a registered letter addressed to E. P. Awdry, 3, St. Mary Street, Chippenham, was posted at; the Wroughton Post Office on Thursday,; 14th February, too late to be included in the last despatch on that day. It was despatched in normal course the following morning, Friday, and should have been sent out for delivery at Chippenham on the afternoon of that day, 15th February. Owing to a regrettable oversight, arising out of staffing difficulties at the Chippenham Post Office, it was unfortunately not sent out for delivery that afternoon. It was sent out for delivery on Saturday, 16th of February, but the addressee's premises are closed when morning delivery is made and on Saturday afternoons, and there was no one at the address to accept delivery and give a receipting signature. It was again422W sent out on,the morning of Monday, 18th February, but again the addressee's premises were closed,; and delivery could not be effected until the afternoon of 18th February. I very much regret this unfortunate occurrence, and I am taking Steps to prevent any recurrence