§ 31. Mr. Levyasked the Postmaster-General, having regard to the fact that telegrams of 12 words could be sent for 6d. in 1914 and will now cost Is. 3d., how the anticipated profit on telegrams now compares with the loss incurred in 1914?
§ Captain CrookshankThe Telegraph Commercial Account for 1913–14 showed a deficit of £ 1,200,000. Although full Commercial Accounts have been suspended for the period of the war, it is estimated that for 1942–43 telegraph revenue and expenditure roughly balanced. The recent increases in charges were imposed, as my hon. Friend is aware, not for the purpose of raising additional revenue but to limit traffic and conserve man-power, and I do not anticipate that the approximate balance of revenue and expenditure will be materially altered.
§ Mr. LevyHow does my right hon. and gallant Friend reconcile the fact that it is not for making profit but for limiting man-power? You charge 9d. more per telegram, and the effect obviously must be that you do make a profit, which, for a State institution, would be considered by some people to be outrageous.