§ 19. Mr. Websterasked the Postmaster-General what postal and parcel charges have been increased since 20th July, 1966.
§ 53. Sir C. Osborneasked the Postmaster-General why he raised the cost of letter cards to Cape Town from 6d. to 9d., an increase of 50 per cent., during the credit squeeze; and if he will make a statement.
§ 18. Mr. Burdenasked the Postmaster-General why he has increased the price of air mail letters and parcels post in view of the price freeze.
Mr. ShortThe increased charges are listed in columns 659 to 666 of the OFFICIAL REPORT for 20th July. As announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on that day they are an integral part of the measures necessary to remedy the economic situation. I do not, therefore, propose to suspend them.
§ Mr. WebsterMay I congratulate the Postmaster-General on one of the slowest deliveries since 20th July, particularly as the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs has stated that it is unpatriotic to put up prices? In addition, is it not despicable that closing time has been put forward to 5.30, so that prices have gone up and services have gone down? Is not this disrespect to the House, as the Select Committee on Nationalised Industries is looking into the whole business?
Mr. ShortI cannot agree that it is despicable that Post Office workers should have an extra half-hour of leisure a day. [HON. MEMBERS: "Not very bright at this time."] It may not be very bright, but Post Office workers are now getting an extra half-hour's leisure because post offices are closing at 5.30 instead of 6, which I think is quite reasonable. Increased charges were applied to only 995 the parts of the Post Office which were not paying, and some charges were reduced on 20th July.
§ Mr. BryanWill the Postmaster-General explain how the raising of postal charges, with all the consequent costs to industry, is regarded as a sound budgetary measure, but the raising of laundry charges, with less serious consequences, brings into action the full force of Part IV?
Mr. ShortBecause if the charges were not raised in this way, the taxpayer would have to pay the cost on his taxes, which is just the same.
§ Sir W. Bromley-DavenportIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that despite the increased charges a great deal of first-class mail is not delivered first post the next morning and that parcel deliveries are worse than ever?
Mr. ShortI agree that parcel deliveries are not quite as good as letter deliveries, but 92 per cent. of letters are delivered first post the next morning.