asked the Postmaster-General why it is that in Hawsker, near Whitby, letters are delivered in the Stainsacre section of the parish at 8.30 a.m., and in the Hawsker section of the same parish they are not delivered until between 11 a.m. and midday.

Although they are in the same parish, Hawsker and Stainsacre are served by different delivery rounds; moreover, the position on the round also affects the time of delivery. I am examining the position further and will write to the hon. Member when my inquiries are complete.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the estimated reduction in the number of men employed on postal services if collections and deliveries were again restricted to the schedule in operation during the war.

To answer this Question with any degree of accuracy would involve a very detailed survey but, on the assumption that part-time labour could be substituted as required, and counting part-time officers as one half, on a very rough calculation I estimate that a reduction of the order of 2,000 men might be possible.