HC Deb 12 December 1932 vol 273 c21
32. Mr. CRAVEN-ELLIS

asked the Postmaster-General if, in view of the fact that the recent further fall in the exchange value of the pound will add to the profits from air mails which have already accrued on that account he will now consider taking steps to provide that some part of such profits shall be devoted to the further development of British air-mail services

Sir K. WOOD

Even with the recent fall in the exchange value of the pound, the profits from air mails are scarcely adequate to enable me to do as much as I would desire in the direction suggested by my hon. Friend. I am, however, arranging for air mail services to be advertised more fully than has hitherto been the case.

33. Mr. CRAVEN-ELLIS

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will con-skier the advisability of introducing, for an experimental period of six months, the use of ½-ounce air-mail letter-cards at half the present rates for a ½-ounce letter, with a view to ascertaining whether such action would result in any reduction in the present profits obtained by the Post Office from the air mail?

Sir K. WOOD

A reduced rate for air mail letter-cards would inevitably result in the diversion of a large proportion of light letters, with consequent loss of revenue both to the Post Office and to the Air Company. I regret therefore that I cannot in present circumstances adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.