23. Air Commodore Harveyasked the Postmaster-General at what rate does he pay British Overseas Airways Corporation for the carriage of air mail on long haul services.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThe rates range from 143.16d. to 190.89d. per ton-mile.
Air Commodore HarveyIs the Postmaster-General aware that these rates compare unfavourably with those of other 879 large air lines, such as the American air lines, and will he look into the matter? Why should he make a profit out of it?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI only want to say that I pay twice as much for the carriage of mail as is being paid for the carriage of freight or persons. In the circumstances, I think that I am giving a fair price for the service we get.
§ 24. Mr. H. Hyndasked the Postmaster-General what are the arrangements for conveyance of air mail parcels to European countries; and whether he is satisfied that the limited publicity given to this scheme is sufficient to inform the public of the facilities available.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsExcepting Portugal, air parcel mails to European countries are forwarded by services of the British European Airways Corporation. All available means of publicity are employed to bring these facilities to the notice of the public.
§ Mr. HyndIs my right hon. Friend aware that while these parcels can be handed in at any post office at rates which compare favourably with other freight charges—inclusive of Customs clearing charges and matters of that kind—the only advertisement is a very small notice in certain post offices? Should not there be better information given to the public generally and to business people in particular?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI had better make the facilities known to my hon. Friend. Ninety-seven thousand airmail leaflets dealing with this subject are sent to head post offices every month. Press notices and broadcasts are made, and chamber of commerce and Board of Trade journals throughout the country carry advertisements relating to this service.