HC Deb 04 March 1935 vol 298 cc1563-4
31. Captain P. MACDONALD

asked 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. WOOD

Yes, 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 ADAMS

asked the Postmaster-General whether he proposes shortly to reintroduce the penny post?

Sir K. WOOD

No, Sir.

Mr. ADAMS

As the right hon. Gentleman has made his Department so prosperous and profitable, can he give any reason for this refusal?

Sir K. WOOD

I 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.

Mr. ADAMS

Might not the return increase if the postage were lowered?

Sir K. WOOD

That has been taken into account.

Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMS

Will the right hon. Gentleman do his level best to re-introduce the halfpenny rate for newspapers?

Sir R. HAMILTON

Is the Department always to be regarded in future as a revenue raising Department?

Sir K. WOOD

No. I think we have show that of recent years.