HC Deb 16 October 1968 vol 770 cc131-2W
63. Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Postmaster-General to what extent mechanical devices are being employed to distinguish first class from second class mail; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Joseph Slater

Automatic letter facing machines are used to arrange letters to face the same way and cancel the postage stamps. They also divide mail between first and second class by detecting phosphor markings on stamps. Six of our larger offices are at present equipped with these machines, and fifteen more will receive them in 1968.

64. Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Postmaster-General what arrangements have been made for the allocation of pre-paid postage, such as the business reply service, between first-class and second-class mail.

Mr. Joseph Slater

Business Reply mail marked "First Class" is handled and charged accordingly; otherwise it is treated as Second Class mail.

When postage is prepaid in money or by means of franking machines the class of service or the amount prepaid is shown in the date stamp and the letters are given the service paid for.

Mr. Longden

asked the Postmaster-General what instructions he has given to postmasters throughout the country as to how they should deal with second-class mail.

Mr. Joseph Slater

The instructions are that second class mail is sorted later than first class if this results in operational or economic advantage or is necessary to ensure that the first class mail gets the proper service. Many second class letters are thus sorted on the day after posting, but they are all sent forward by scheduled despatches which arrive in most parts of the country in time for delivery within two days of posting. Many second class letters are in fact delivered on the day after posting.

Mr. Wright

asked the Postmaster-General what has been the cost of the public relations campaign designed to persuade people to use the 5d. stamp.

Mr. Stonehouse

There has been no such campaign. Advertisements explaining the new services have cost £220,000.

Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Postmaster-General to what extent second class letters posted in Arran for destinations in Arran are taken to the mainland and returned before delivery; and to what extent this was happening to letters before 16th September, 1968.

Mr. Stonehouse

These letters are now retained in Arran, as they were before the 16th September.