HC Deb 09 March 1965 vol 708 cc54-5W
Mr. Shepherd

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the annoyance caused to users of private postal collection boxes in the W.1 area of London, who, at the request of the Post Office, have taken delivery of new divided boxes, but are now told that the original locks ordered by the Post Office have had to be scrapped and that many weeks will elapse before now locks are available; why these locks have had to be scrapped; and what is the total loss involved.

Mr. Joseph Slater

My right hon. Friend much regrets that, owing to delay in delivery, we are not at present able to let people have locks for the new boxes they have received. We expect to obtain the locks during the first week in April and shall begin to fit them immediately. There is no question of locks being scrapped and the question of loss does not therefore arise. Meanwhile use of old boxes continues.

I should like to take this opportunity of thanking the owners of private posting boxes in parts of central London who are co-operating with the Post Office in providing double-aperture boxes and so facilitating the handling of mail in London.