HC Deb 09 June 1932 vol 266 cc2109-10
61. Mr. POTTER

asked the Postmaster-General if, having regard to the profits of the Post Office, he is prepared to recommend an immediate reduction in respect oil letter and parcel postage with a view to assisting trade and commerce?

Sir K. WOOD

In present circumstances I can hold out no hope of any immediate reduction of the postage on letters or parcels.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

In view of this profit of £9,000,000, is the right hon. Gentleman going to be in favour of increasing the wages of those connected with the postal service?

Captain CROOKSHANK

Is it not a fact that the profits on commercial account are really illusory?

Sir K. WOOD

I do not think the Chancellor of the Exchequer will think they are illusory.

Sir A. M. SAMUEL

But is it not a fact that nearly £5,000,000 of the Post Office profits is a notional amount, due from Government Departments, which will not go in cash into the Exchequer unless the cash is raised by additional taxation, and that consequently the total of £9,000,000 or £10,000,000 is an illusory profit?