§ 51. Mr. Tilneyasked 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. EdenA 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.
32WChristmas and that in future its undertaking to deliver letters posted by the recommended dates before Christmas shall be fulfilled.
§ Mr. Biffenasked 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. EdenThe 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).