§ Mr. Thorpeasked the Postmaster-General what review is currently taking place into postal deliveries in rural areas, aimed at varying existing Post Office practice; and if he will give an assurance that there will be no reduction in the number of deliveries or the standards which his Department has maintained in the rural areas.
§ Mr. Edward ShortA general review of postal arrangements for the long term, including those in rural areas, is now under way. It is not possible to say at present whether this review will lead to any general change in the standards in rural areas; but, in the meantime, second deliveries in a few of these areas may have to be withdrawn where the cost of maintaining them becomes excessive.