§ 43. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Post master-General if he can state approximately the number of internal telegrams sent per month at the 1s. rate, as against the average number previously sent at the pre-War rate of 6d.; and whether he can hold out any possibility of a reduction in the near future to the lower sum?
§ Mr. N. CHAMBERLAINThe number of inland telegrams sent in the United Kingdom (including Ireland) during the financial year 1913–14, when the rate was sixpence, averaged about 6,000,000 a month. The number sent during the financial year 1921–22 at the 1s. rate was 501 about 5,000,000 a month. In view of the fact that even with a 1s. tariff the service is run at a considerable loss, I regret that I cannot hold out any hope of a return to the sixpenny rate in the near future.