§ 32. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Postmaster-General for what reasons air mail and telegraphic rates have been so adjusted as to enable a profit to be made on the former and a loss to be incurred on the latter; and whether he has caused any investigations to be made with a view to ascertaining the probability of a rapid increase being made in the use of the air mail if the rates thereon wore substantially lowered?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Graham White)Air mail rates are fixed at the lowest figure consistent with avoiding an actual loss on the service; and while a substantial reduction in rates would no doubt lead to a growth in traffic, such a reduction cannot be given without appreciable loss, as there is no immediate prospect of a reduction in the costs of transport, many of which are fixed by international agreement. As regards the reason for the telegraph deficit, it is not possible within the limits of a reply to a question to deal with this matter, but my hon. and gallant Friend will find the matter fully discussed at various times during the course of Debates on the Post Office Estimates.
§ 33. Captain MACDONALDasked the Postmaster-General whether the preferential postage rates given on ordinary correspondence within the Empire are reflected in the rates charged on air-mail correspondence within and without the Empire; and, if not, for what reason such preference is not extended to Empire airmail correspondence?
§ Mr. WHITEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative: the second part therefore does not arise.