Dr. Bennettasked the Postmaster-General why a letter, whose cover has been sent to him, postmarked Ryde, 8.15 p.m., 19th May, was not delivered to the hon. Member for Gosport and Fareham at his address in London, S.W.1, until 10 a.m., 21st May; and if he is aware of the inconvenience caused by the taking of a second day between southern Hampshire and London.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterThe letter should have been delivered by second post on the 20th May and I am sorry this did not happen. The delay in delivery was due to shortage of staff in one of our London sorting centres. We are doing all we can to get additional staff and meanwhile to keep delays to a minimum.