HC Deb 18 June 1952 vol 502 cc1174-5
13. Mr. Janner

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the increase of 50 per cent. on airmail post places a considerable burden on firms trying to obtain export business who have to use the airmail sample post; and whether he will introduce a special all-in fixed charge for such airmail.

Mr. Gammans

The increased air postage rates which came into force on 1st May only just cover the cost of the service which previously was running at a loss. I regret therefore that I cannot adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.

Mr. Janner

Is the hon. Gentleman or is he not anxious to increase exports, particularly of textiles, from this country; and, if so, why does he not do something about subsidising this, if necessary, so that firms who can export these textiles and other commodities can deal quickly with the demands of those in other countries?

Mr. Gammans

Naturally the Government are anxious to help the export trade as much as possible but, as I have told the hon. Gentleman, this particular service was running at a substantial loss.

Mr. Janner

While I appreciate the reply the hon. Gentleman has given, may I ask whether he realises that some firms use this service almost entirely for the purpose of getting business; that they have to be speedy in sending their samples, and so on, and that this is really placing a tremendous imposition on them?

Mr. Gammans

I realise that all right, but I also realise that this service was running at a substantial loss.

Mr. Attlee

Surely the hon. Gentleman knows that there are many parts of the postal service which run at a loss. For instance, the whole of the telephone service of Scotland is a dead loss. We do it for the benefit of the country. I always understood that was a Post Office principle.

Mr. Gammans

So it is, but it is the telegraph service which runs at a loss. Taking the country as a whole, the telephone service does not run at a loss.

Mr. Beswick

When the hon. Gentleman says it is running at a loss, does he mean at a loss to the Post Office or to the airways corporations?

Mr. Gammans

A loss to the Post Office.

Mr. Hale

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if he had accepted our Amendment on the Post Office and Telegraph (Money) Bill he would not have to make this charge at all?