§ 46. Mr. Bryanasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what is the cost in a full year of the wage settlements agreed by the Post Office since the publication of the Post Office Report and Accounts for 1968–69.
§ Mr. StonehouseI understand from the Post Office that it is about £77 million.
§ Mr. BryanDoes the Minister agree that a penny increase on the 4d. and 5d. post brings in about £26 million? Would he calculate what this enormous sum will mean in extra charges?
§ Mr. StonehouseAs I have already indicated, various suggestions have been put to me which are being considered, but I am not in a position to make any announcement. What I am anxious to ensure, and what I know the Post Office is very keen to achieve, is increased productivity which will take up a great deal of the additional cost.