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

My Department has standing instructions to ensure that effective and economic use is made of the two-tier system. These instructions follow the principle that the cheaper second-class mail should be used except when there is judged to be a clear need for tile faster but more expensive first-class post.