HC Deb 15 February 1971 vol 811 cc1177-8
9. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he is yet in a position to make a statement on the introduction of further increases in postal charges.

Mr. Chataway

I have nothing at present to add to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon, North (Mr. Gorst) on 30th October last year.—[Vol. 805, c. 227–8.]

Mr. Hamilton

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why some tariffs have already been published indicating a 9d. charge for the first-class letter post? Will he consult the Prime Minister about interfering in this matter "at a stroke" to limit the price increases, as the Prime Minister promised in the General Election?

Mr. Chataway

As the hon. Gentleman will recall, last summer the Government reduced by some £30 million the price increases which were proposed by the Post Office and which the Labour Administration had delayed through the period of the General Election. I am not aware of any tariff proposals for a 9d. post which have been published as fact.