§ 7. Sir T. Mooreasked the Postmaster-General if he will make a statement with regard to the present hold-up of the delivery of letters, parcels and telegrams due to the work-to-rule methods adopted by Post Office employees.
§ Mr. BevinsI regret that working to rule by some sections of staff is causing delay to the mails, particularly in London. But the situation is a good deal better than it was and most of the mail is now getting through in good time. Sampling indicates that 75 per cent. of letters are being delivered the day after collection. Where there are delays we are doing all we can to minimise them by re-routing mails.
I regret also that, because of the reduced output of the London staff I had to suspend the parcel post to and from the London Postal Area and the acceptance at London offices of large postings of circulars and advertising matter. I shall restore these services as soon as possible.
Telegraph delays have been very occasional, and have had little effect on the service.
I am grateful to the general public and to business firms for their forbearance in the present difficult situation.
§ Captain Kerbyasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that, although normal General Post Office delivery of letters is by the day following posting, on 20th January only three out of 123 letters addressed to the New Daily were delivered normally, and that the bulk of the post was four or more days late; and what steps he is taking to end the strike in his Department.
§ Mr. BevinsDelivery of letters to theNew Daily is made from the London West Central District Office where there is a shortage of staff and the service has been affected by the response of the local staff to the work-to-rule campaign. I am doing everything possible to improve matters.
76WIn regard to the latter part of my hon. and gallant Friend's Question I have made suggestions to the union, so far without a satisfactory response.