§ Mr. John Townendasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he has received the Post Office's performance figures in respect of delivery of first and second class letters since his statement on the postal monopoly on 16 July 1980; and if he will make a further statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerThe Post Office's performance over the past year is set out as follows:
*1st class delivered by the first working day after collection (Target 90 per cent. on a full week basis) per cent. *2nd class delivered by third working day after collection (Target 96 per cent. on a full week basis) per cent. Quarter Ended: June 1980 84.6 91.0 September 1980 88.4 93.9 *December 1980 86.0 92.0 March 1981 85.9 92.2 June 1981 89.2 94.0 * excludes December 14–31 These figures represent a considerable improvement over service levels in 1979 and early 1980. Quality of service is, however, still falling short of the Post Office's existing targets and my right hon. Friend and I intend to keep a close watch on performance over the coming months. The delivery performance of the Post Office on a regular basis will be an important element in any decision whether or not to use the powers now available under the British Telecommunications Act to make further derogations from the postal monopoly.