§ Q17. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Prime Minister whether he will give the total number of letters and postcards which he received in the week commencing Sunday, 21st February; how many of these related to Government policy connected with the postal workers' strike; and whether he will make a statement.
§ The Prime Minister8,085 of which 7,953 related to the postal workers' strike. 7,940 of these were postcards delivered in bulk.
§ Mr. Redmondasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the condition of the post and its effect on businesses, pensions, annuities, income tax payments, rents, bills, etc., he will, if the postal strike continues for more than another week, consider securing the assistance of the Armed Forces for certain specific urgent functions.
§ The Prime MinisterA variety of arrangements are being made in both the public and private sector without the assistance of the Armed Forces to facilitate essential payments such as pensions in the absence of normal postal facilities.