asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that there is much dissatisfaction at the curtailment of postal deliveries and with the increasing delay with deliveries, both internally and from abroad; to what extent this is due to a shorter working week; and if he will publish his correspondence with the trade unions on the subject.

I am aware that curtailment of postal deliveries has given rise to some dissatisfaction; and that the revised services have not yet regained their prewar standard of efficiency. There has been no alteration in the length of the working week of the postal staff. The modifications in services were dictated solely by the need to conserve manpower.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the curtailment of the afternoon deliveries is felt by the business community all over the country to be holding up business, and could he not have it restored?

If there is one section of the community which is less prone to grumble about this than any other, it is probably the business section.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that today the Post Office is giving the poorest service to the community in the living memory of man?