§ 30. Mr. Kenneth Bakerasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will ensure that the price of stamps for the first class and second class post when the decimal currency is introduced comply with the Government's prices and incomes policy.
§ Mr. BakerDoes that mean that there will be no increase in the cost of sending a letter on decimalisation, or shall we move to a system of having one standard 5d. stamp for first- and second-class mail, or to a two-tier 5d. second-class and about 7½d. first-class service?
§ Mr. StonehouseThe hon. Gentleman should not jump to any of those conclusions. I am discussing with the Post Office certain proposals that have been put to me. It would be premature for any announcement to be made.
§ Mr. BryanAs, consequent on the recent pay awards, the tariff is bound to go up, will the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether this will be at the same time as the changes owing to decimalisation or before?
§ Mr. StonehouseI would not like to anticipate the results of the consideration I am now giving to the proposals that have been put to me.