§ 1. Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications by what percentage the average cost of letter post has increased since June 1970.
§ The Minister of Posts and Telecommunications (Sir John Eden)Fifty-three per cent., the tariffs in force in June 1970 having remained unchanged since September 1968.
§ Mr. JannerWhat further increases does the right hon. Gentleman now have in mind and what proportion of such increases does he propose to allocate to those whom many of us feel need them most, namely, the postmen?
§ Sir J. EdenThe hon. and learned Gentleman is aware that proposals to increase the tariffs are now before the Price Commission, and they have recently been considered by the Post Office Users National Council. The matter raised in the second part of his supplementary question is one for negotiation between the Post Office and the unions concerned.
§ Mr. Sydney ChapmanAs the postal service is a labour-intensive service, may we be informed by roughly how much, on average, wages have risen in the service?
§ Sir J. EdenNot without notice.
§ Mr. William PriceHow do postal prices in this country compare with those in other developed countries?
§ Sir J. EdenI shall try to give that information if a Question is put down.