HC Deb 23 June 1969 vol 785 c216W
Sir R. Russell

asked the Postmaster-General why the date stamp on second class mail does not include the hour of collection, in view of the fact that it may vary between 6.30 a.m. and 9 p.m. or even later, during which time mail can travel a long distance.

Mr. Stonehouse

Second-class letters are usually date-stamped and sorted some hours after collection; first-class letters take priority at all times.