asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions he has issued to his Department as to the use of first-class mail; and whether he will issue appropriate directions to ensure that only urgent mail is sent first class.

The staff of the Home Office have standing instructions to ensure that effective and economic use is made of the two-tier system, and to use the first-class post only when there is a clear need. I am arranging for all staff to be reminded of the present instructions.