HC Deb 22 March 2001 vol 365 cc311-2W
Mr. Home Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many households in(a) England, (b) Scotland and (c) Wales, are not receiving direct postal deliveries because of precautionary and mandatory access restrictions connected with the foot and

mouth disease outbreak; and what arrangements can be made for the delivery and collection of postal votes in such circumstances. [154829]

Mr. Alan Johnson

I have been advised by the Post Office that all households in the affected areas have access to its postal services. Arrangements have been made at a local level for the collection and distribution of mail in areas affected by foot and mouth disease or where farmers or landowners have requested that postal staff do not go on their land. These arrangements include:

  • Handover of mail at the farmer or land owners gate;
  • Collection by the addressee from the delivery office
  • Delivery to an alternative address.

A central record of these local arrangements is not available.

Arrangements for the delivery and collection of postal votes would be the same as for ordinary mail.