HC Deb 22 January 1973 vol 849 cc31-2W
51. Mr. Tilney

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will give a general direction to the Post Office to ensure that letters posted in the United Kingdom a few days before Christmas to destinations in the United Kingdom reach them by Christmas in future years.

Sir J. Eden

A direction would not be appropriate, but I know that the Post Office is determined that there must be no repetition of the delays that occured last

Estimated Revenue of rates:
Band of taxable income £ per annum Rate of Tax unders.66 Finance Act 1972 Per cent. Estimated Revenue £m. Increased by 5 points £m. Increased by 10 points £m. Decreased by 5 points £m.
5,000–6,000 40 82 93 103 72
6,000–7,000 45 67 74 81 59
7,000–8,000 50 55 61 67 50
8,000–10,000 55 84 92 100 77
10,000–12,000 60 59 63 68 54
12,000–15,000 65 60 65 69 55
15,000–20,000 70 58 62 66 54
20,000 and over 75 122 130 139 114

Note: Figures are given to the nearest £ million but should not be regarded as accurate at that level.

Christmas and that in future its undertaking to deliver letters posted by the recommended dates before Christmas shall be fulfilled.

Mr. Biffen

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he is aware of the widespread dissatisfaction with the postal services over Christmastide; and if he will issue a general direction to the Post Office requiring the standard and frequency of deliveries traditionally associated with the Christmas post.

Sir J. Eden

The Chairman of the Post Office has publicly expressed his regret, which I share, that so many people were inconvenienced or disappointed as a result of delays in the mail during the 1972 Christmas season. On the second part of the Question I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave today to my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Mr. Tilney).