§ 15. Sir E. Bullusasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications how many letters and parcels were dealt with during the Christmas period; and how these figures compare with the previous year.
§ Mr. ChatawayThe Post Office tells me that the provisional total for last Christmas was 910 million compared with 994 million for the previous year.
§ Sir E. BullusWhile congratulating the Post Office on its organisation, may I ask whether this smaller volume does not reflect the effect of the increase in postal charges? Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that, if possible, he should defer any proposed increase in the future for some months at any rate?
§ Mr. ChatawayThe decline is due to a number of factors. However, as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests, it must be due in part to the large tariff increases at the beginning of last year. I agree that that is a factor which must be taken into account by the Government and the Post Office when considering any future tariff increases.