asked the Postmaster-General what action he has taken and proposes to take to encourage citizens to post early for Christmas.

We are keeping the public informed of the latest dates of posting by posters on vans, on outside posting boxes and in Post Offices; by advertisements in a selection of the national and local Press; and, by leaflets available in Post Offices.

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Would he consider making a Ministerial television broadcast on this matter in view of the fact that it is expected that in the last two weeks in December over 1,000 million letters and 20 million parcels will be handled? Would he, on behalf of the whole House, express appreciation to the permanent Post Office staff and temporary helpers for their work in this enormous task?

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for giving me the opportunity to say "Thank you" on behalf of the House and the general public to postmen and temporary helpers. The suggestion about a television broadcast on the theme of posting early for Christmas is not a new one. Previous Postmasters-General regularly did it; it has been so successful in the past that I do not think it will be necessary this year.

As this is a point of great interest to the public, would the right hon. Gentleman describe what sort of service the Post Office will be able to give in letter and parcel deliveries, as compared with, say, last year?

This is very difficult to forecast. A great deal, as the hon. Gentleman will realise, depends on whether the public post their parcels by the 18th and their letters and cards by the 20th. If this is generally done we are hopeful that all the Christmas mail will be delivered by Christmas time.