HC Deb 11 July 1946 vol 425 cc567-8
66. Mr. Medlicott

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General what is the cost to the State, calculated to the nearest ascertainable fraction of id., of the collection and delivery of an inland letter up to two ounces in weight.

Mr. Burke

Separate cost figures for inland letters are not available. The roughly estimated overail cost of collection, sorting, conveyance and delivery of letter packets of all kinds, which include letters, postcards. newspapers and printed papers, is 1.4d. per item.

Mr. Medlicott

In view of that disclosure, can the Minister say how a Socialist Government can justify making such a huge profit out of the pocket of the consumer?

Mr. Burke

The hon. Member forgets that in that 1.4d. there is included the carriage of papers, which is cheaper than letter rate.