§ 84. Sir J. Mellorasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that there is no delivery of letters in Sutton Coldfield until after most of the residents have left home for business; that letters posted in England often take over 36 hours to reach their destination in Sutton Goldfield; and what steps he has taken to provide a remedy.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingFollowing a rearrangement of the postal services at Sutton Coldfield in order to save manpower, the first delivery in that town finishes later than hitherto. The aim is to complete the delivery by 9.15 a.m. and this should be achieved within the next two or three weeks as the postmen become accustomed to their new duties and delivery rounds. Meanwhile, I am sorry for the inconvenience occasioned. With regard to the second part of the Question, I regret that the re-arrangements have resulted in some delay; but I hope that with the changes already made such delays will be reduced to a minimum.
89. Lieut.-Commander Clark Hutchisonasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the late delivery of the English mail is causing much inconvenience to the business community in Edinburgh; and whether he will consider making some adjustment in the postal service to meet, this point.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingI am aware that, owing to late running, the English mail often fails to connect with the first delivery in Edinburgh, but everything possible is being done in close collaboration with the railway company to bring about an improvement. The only practicable adjustment would be to make the first delivery later, but I fear that the disadvantages of this change would outweigh the advantages.
90. Lieut.-Commander Clark Hutchisonasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the disruption of business contacts between Edinburgh and the South consequent upon the cancellation of the late afternoon collection of letters; and whether, in the interests of efficiency, he 223W will consider the replacement of this service in the central area of the city.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingI assume that the hon. and gallant Member is referring to the 8.0–8.30 p.m. (restricted) collection. Its withdrawal is part of the scheme to save manpower in the Post Office and to release staff for production and it could not be restored without additional calls on manpower. This collection was confined to selected posting boxes in Edinburgh and was supplementary to the general night mail collection at 5.45–6.30 p.m. (7.30 p.m. at the Head Office box). Urgent letters for the South can still be posted at the Edinburgh Head Post Office up to 9.0 p.m.