HC Deb 25 January 1956 vol 548 cc184-5
13. Lieut-Colonel Lipton

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will reduce the rates for inland parcels and telegrams to the lowest rate for corresponding services to addresses outside the United Kingdom.

Dr. Hill

No, Sir.

Lieut-Colonel Lipton

Will the Postmaster-General explain why a 24-word telegram to France costs 4s. while a similar inland telegram costs 6s.; why a 5 lb. parcel to the Irish Republic costs 2d. less than a similar inland parcel? Why are the rates being doctored in this peculiar fashion by the Postmaster-General?

Dr. Hill

There is no such doctoring. The hon. and gallant Gentleman has made a convenient selection. In general, except for two stages to the Irish Republic for quite different reasons over which we have no control and for certain rates for the short telegram to France, the inland rates are lower than the overseas rates, contrary to the assertion in his Question.