§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Industry when the mechanised sorting of letters was first introduced; how many mechanical sorting machines have been purchased; how many are in use; what percentage of letter is currently being mechanically sorted; how this figure compares with the original mechanisation proposals; what was the cost of the machines purchased and not yet used; what orders are at present outstanding for further machines; when it was originally proposed to complete the mechanisation programme; and when it is now hoped to do so.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieDetailed answers to these questions must be a matter for the Post Office, and I am drawing the chairman's attention to the hon. Member's question. Various types of mechanised letter-sorting equipment have been used for many years, and the current210W plan is to bring the code-sort system of mechanization into use nationally during the next eight years.