§ 128. Sir J. Mellorasked the Postmaster-Genera] what is the latest time, according to schedule, for posting letters in London, Plymouth, Cardiff, Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh for first and second delivery, respectively, in Sutton Coldfield the following day; within what limits variations from scheduled times occur; and why letters posted within a radius of 20 miles are often not delivered in Sutton Coldfield the following day, even in midweek.
§ Mr. BurkeThe maintenance of delivery times is dependent upon various factors, including the punctual running of trains, and it is not possible precisely to define the limits within which variations from scheduled times may occur. Generally delay will not be more than one delivery. With regard to the last part of the Question, letters for Sutton Coldfield posted in towns within a radius of 20 miles in time for the main evening despatch should be delivered on the following weekday. If the hon. Member will let me have details of any letters which seem to have suffered delay, I shall be happy to investigate. The answer to the first part of the question is; The latest scheduled times of posting at the Head Post Office in the towns126W named for first and second delivery respectively in Sutton Coldfield the following weekday are as follow:
Latest time of posting at. For delivery in Sutton Coldfield on following weekday by: First Delivery Second Delivery. London—Head District Offices. 8.0 p.m. — Sub-District Postmen's Offices. 7.0 p.m. — Plymouth 2.30 p.m. 7.0 p.m. Cardiff 6.0 p.m. 11.30 p.m. Manchester 8.15 p.m. 1.0 a.m. (on day of delivery). Newcastle-on-Tyne 5.15 p.m. 8.45 p.m. Edinburgh 5.30 p.m. 7.30 p.m.
§ Professor Gruffyddasked the Postmaster-General what postal services have been reduced since 1st January, 1946.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingIn towns the postal services today are materially the same as they were on the 1st January, 1946; in rural areas the services have in general been increased and improved.