§ 31. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that since the return to penny postage in New Zealand the number of letters posted increased by 7,500,000 in 1933 and by 5,000,000 in 1934; and whether he has made any estimate of the extent to which the number of letters would similarly increase in this country if a similar reduction in postage were made?
§ Sir K. WOODYes, Sir. The estimated net increase in the first year in the number of letters under penny post in this country is put at a figure which represents nearly the same proportionate increase as has actually occurred in New Zealand. It is on this figure that an estimated net loss of revenue of over £6 million is based.
33. Mr. VYVYAN ADAMSasked the Postmaster-General whether he proposes shortly to reintroduce the penny post?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, Sir.
Mr. ADAMSAs the right hon. Gentleman has made his Department so prosperous and profitable, can he give any reason for this refusal?
§ Sir K. WOODI referred to the matter in a reply just now. The net revenue involved is £6,000,000. This is a matter in respect of which national taxation and national conditions have to be considered.
§ Sir K. WOODThat has been taken into account.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman do his level best to re-introduce the halfpenny rate for newspapers?
§ Sir R. HAMILTONIs the Department always to be regarded in future as a revenue raising Department?
§ Sir K. WOODNo. I think we have show that of recent years.