HC Deb 14 February 1938 vol 331 cc1526-7
53. Mr. Day

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that American telegraph companies make no additional charge for the address on a telegram, with a result that much time and labour is saved owing to the absence of incorrectly addressed telegrams, he will consider adopting the same system in the country in order to further popularise the Post Office telegraph service?

Major Tryon

The question of allowing the address of a telegram to be transmitted free of charge has been considered on several occasions in the past, but my predecessors have always reached the conclusion, with which I agree, that the concession would not lead to increase of business sufficient to make good the loss of revenue per telegram. I am glad to say that very few telegrams are incorrectly addressed.

Mr. Day

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say what the loss of revenue would be if this was adopted?

Major Tryon

Not without knowing what the concession was.

Mr. Day

I mean the concession asked for in the question.

Forward to