35. Mr. ACLANDasked the Postmaster-General the charges for Christmas greeting telegrams and the number sent; and whether this concession results in a profit or involves a loss to the Post Office?
§ Major TRYONI assume that the hon. Member refers to the service of Christmas greetings telegrams to the Dominions and other places oversea. The charges for these messages vary according to the country of destination but are usually half the ordinary rate for places in Europe and less than half for other places. The number dealt with by the Post Office last Christmas was approximately 80,000, of which 70,000 were accepted or delivered on behalf of the telegraph companies by whom they were forwarded abroad. It is difficult to estimate the financial effect of these special services; but it is probable that the revenue received by the Post Office for its share of the work did not cover the cost involved.