§ 41. Mr. Dayasked the Postmaster-General the number of postal franking machines in use in this country and the country of origin of such machines; and whether he will consider granting any rebate to the users of these machines?
§ Major TryonThe number of postage meter machines in use in this country is approximately 6,500. Apart from about 150 machines which, with few exceptions, were made in the United States of America, all the machines are wholly of British manufacture. As regards the second part of the question, rebate of postage on correspondence passed through these machines would not be justified, as their use results in no net saving of work to the Post Office.
§ Mr. DayAre we to understand that when these 150 machines want replacing they will be replaced by British machines?
§ Major TryonI cannot give that undertaking, because they are purchased by private firms for their own use.
§ Mr. Robert GibsonIs there a saving on account of the stamps?
§ Major TryonThe only saving is to the senders of the letters. They do not have to stick on postage stamps.