HC Deb 01 August 1951 vol 491 cc1451-2
40. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Postmaster-General what is the net operating profit arising from registration fees on the parcel and letter service.

Mr. Ness Edwards

The inland letter and parcel registration service is operating at a loss.

41. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the increasing cost of commodities, he will consider extending the cover now granted under the letter and parcel registration service.

Mr. Ness Edwards

I regret that I cannot agree to extend the limits of compensation payable.

Mr. Shepherd

How does the right hon. Gentleman reconcile this registered service operating at a loss with the fact that the private insurance companies will insure a parcel for ld. to cover a £2 claim, whereas he charges 4d.?

Mr. Ness Edwards

This is a national amenity and is available all over the country. I have taken the advice of the Post Office Advisory Council, on which sit hon. Members from both sides of the House, and they were agreed that I should not extend the rate of compensation.