§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Major Tryon)The possibility of a return to the penny post is constantly borne in mind by me. The matter is one which has to be considered in relation to the finances of the country as a whole, and I am at present unable to hold out any hope of an early restoration.
§ Mr. DUNCANCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say how much it would cost?
§ Major TRYONThe immediate loss to revenue on existing inland letters would, under present conditions, be £7,100,000 per year, but, allowing for an increase in traffic, based on pass experience, for an initial one ounce unit and for a halfpenny postcard there would be an estimated nett loss of £6,500,000.
§ Mr. LEACHAre those figures based on the assumption that there would be no increase in the number of letters?
§ Major TRYONNo, Sir; the £6,500,000 is based on the assumption that there would be such an increase.