HC Deb 15 May 1890 vol 344 c946
MR. SUMMERS (Huddersfield)

I beg to ask the Postmaster General what is the estimated loss of Revenue to this country that would result from the establishment of a universal penny postage?

*MR. RAIKES

Over and above the present loss on the Foreign and Colonial Mail Services maintained by this country, which is estimated at about £293,000 a year, the further loss which would accrue to the Imperial Revenue from the establishment of a universal penny postage rate for letters would probably be upwards of £400,000 a year.

MR. MUNDELLA (Sheffield, Brightside)

Does the right hon. Gentleman, in that estimate, calculate upon any increase in the number of letters'?

*MR. RAIKES

I have answered that question several times already.

MR. MUNDELLA

Is the calculation based upon a loss so far as the present number of letters are concerned without taking into account the fact that more letters may be carried?

*MR. RAIKES

Yes.