HC Deb 03 July 1939 vol 349 c915
56. Mr. Day

asked the Postmaster-General the number of parcels posted, during the 12 months ended to the last convenient date, for the use of the blind at a reduced rate of postage; and whether he will consider introducing legislation giving a total remission of postage on embossed literature for the blind?

The Postmaster-General (Major Tryon)

According to the latest information, it is estimated that the number of articles for the use of the blind posted annually is£,100,000. The special low postage rates on articles for the use of the blind already involve a sacrifice of postal revenue of more than £25,000 a year, and though I sympathise with the hon. Member's object, I regret that I am unable to adopt his suggestion.

Mr. Day

Are we to understand that the cost to the Government is only £25,000 a year?

Major Tryon

The figures I gave were correct. What we are doing is this, that whereas the public pay 6d. per parcel, the blind, owing to their special disadvantage, pay only one halfpenny for their literature.