HC Deb 21 November 1968 vol 773 c1519
18. Mr. Ridsdale

asked the Postmaster-General by how much trunk revenues exceed costs.

Mr. Stonehouse

By £59 million in 1967–68.

Mr. Ridsdale

If a more realistic price were charged, would that not ease the burden on the letter service and be in the long-term interest of the Post Office?

Mr. Stonehouse

We have to consider telecommunications as a whole. There is an enormously expensive investment in trunk lines, and we ought to ensure that we have a full return on this so that we may meet our objective of an 8½ per cent. return.