§ 3. Mr. Stratton Millsasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will ask the Price Review Body to examine the proposed increase in the price of the 3d. inland letter post.
§ Mr. George BrownNo, Sir. As we explained in the debate on postal services on 30th March, we have conducted an exhaustive examination of Post Office finances. I should be delighted if all private industry could stand up as well to a similar scrutiny.
§ Mr. Stratton MillsWe recognise the right hon. Gentleman's desire to promote a better atmosphere between Government arid industry, but does he realise that this would be greatly helped if he gave an assurance that either this or some other price increase in the public sector could be put before this body for close and detailed scrutiny?
§ Mr. BrownI have given my reasons for not sending this one, and I still think that they are good and sound reasons; but I have always made absolutely clear that I do not rule out sending a case in the public sector, and, if circumstances at any stage seem to warrant it, I shall do so.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattWill the right hon. Gentleman look at the matter again? Is he aware that the public are not getting value for money in the service at the moment and that, in spite of the raising of the letter postage rate by the Postmaster-General over three weeks ago, there are still areas in the country where there is a grave shortage of postage stamps? Will he ask his right hon. Friend to look into it?
§ Mr. BrownI am sure that the hon. Gentleman will find ways and means of putting that to my right hon. Friend. I am bound to record that, in my view, the public get very good service from the Post Office.