§ 61. Mr. SMITHERSasked the Postmaster-General what was the amount received in respect of Press telegrams for the last completed financial year, and for the longest period since for which figures are available; and what would have been the amount receivable for the same period if those telegrams had been sent at the rates chargeable Fe the public for similar services?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe revenue from Press telegrams was £84,000 in 1925–26. At ordinary rates the revenue from the same amount of traffic would probably have been between £500,000 and £600,000, but considerable labour would be involved in obtaining the in formation necessary to estimate it with any accuracy.
§ Mr. SMITHERSIs it a fact that the services rendered to the Press by the Poet Office involve a loss to the Post Office?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONYes, it is.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINBut is it not a fact that every civilised country grants a rebate on Press telegrams?