HC Deb 07 March 1956 vol 549 c2086
12. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Postmaster-General to state the volume of the Christmas mail this year; and how it compares with the volume in 1950.

The Postmaster-General (Dr. Charles Hill)

It is estimated that 735 million letters and cards were handled during the 1955 Christmas pressure period, an increase of 27 per cent. over the 1950 figures.

Mr. Shepherd

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that members of the public consider this to be a remarkable achievement in the present labour shortage and that this miracle performed by the Post Office is no less a miracle because it is an annual one?

Dr. Hill

I am grateful for the tribute of my hon. Friend to the work of the Post Office in this immensely difficult task.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Has not the Christmas card racket become rather a nuisance?

Dr. Hill

That is not a subject upon which I am called to comment.