§ Mr. Patrick Maitlandasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the hand-franking of Christmas mail imposes hardship on Post Office personnel 79W when the volume of mail runs into tens of thousands in a day; and whether he will authorise the provision of franking machines in greater numbers.
§ Mr. K. ThompsonStamp cancelling machines are already provided at the majority of sorting offices and their numbers are supplemented to some extent at Christmas. The standards of provision were eased comparatively recently and additional machines are now being installed on the basis of a phased programme. If the hon. Member has a particular office in mind I should be pleased to consider its needs.
§ Mr. Patrick Maitlandasked the Postmaster-General how many post offices within the area of the County of Lanark have letter franking machines: and how many have not.
§ Mr. K. ThompsonTwelve Crown Post Offices in Lanarkshire have stamp cancelling machines. Three are without, but machines are due to he installed at two of them within the next twelve months.
§ Mr. Patrick Maitlandasked the Postmaster-General how many post offices in the British Isles, and in Scotland, respectively, have either electric or hand- 80W operated mechanical franking machines; and how many, respectively, have not.
§ Mr. K. ThompsonThe information is as follows:
— Offices with machines Offices without machines British Isles (excluding Scotland) 942 209 Scotland 115 55