HC Deb 09 May 1956 vol 552 cc1197-8
22. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will exempt from increased postal charges printed matter posted by religious, charitable, and nonprofit making organisations.

Dr. Hill

I am sorry I cannot exempt particular organisations from the increased charges.

Mr. Chetwynd

But is the Postmaster-General aware that these increased charges cause considerable hardship to those bodies? Is he further aware that in America the President of the United States has seen fit to exempt such bodies from recent increases there, and could not the right hon. Gentleman do likewise?

Dr. Hill

I am aware of the hardship, but I am also aware that, after allowing for the increased bill, we were losing nearly £3½ million on the inland printed paper rate. As for the analogy of America, the hon. Gentleman should study the substantial losses which are incurred in the postal services there. I think I am right in saying that they are approximately equal to our whole postal income.