HC Deb 26 November 1973 vol 865 cc1-2W
Mr. Cordle

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what preparations have been made by the Post Office to deal with the Christmas mail.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what action is being taken to prevent a recurrence in 1973 of the delays in delivering Christmas mail in 1972 ; and if he will make a statement

Sir J. Eden

It is for the Post Office to announce the details of its Christmas services, but I know that it is doing all in its power to prevent a recurrence of last year's difficulties.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications how many temporary additional staff the Post Office will be employing to help with the Christmas mail in 1973 ; and how the figure compares with those for 1972 and 1971.

Sir J. Eden

The Post Office tells me that it expects to employ slightly less than 100,000 temporary staff this year compared with 98,000 in 1972 and 110,000 in 1971.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what is his estimate of the cost of employing temporary additional staff in the Post Office to help with the Christmas post in 1973 ; and how this compares with the cost for 1972 and 1971.

Sir J. Eden

Detail of this kind is a management matter for the Post Office.