HL Deb 20 February 1969 vol 299 cc912-3

3.18 p.m.

LORD AIREDALE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether reports are true that about 20 per cent. fewer Christmas cards were sent by the 4d. post in 1968 than by the 3d. post in 1967; and whether they will give comparative estimates of the effect on Post Office revenue in 1969 of (a) retaining the 4d. rate, and (b) reintroducing a 3d. rate for Christmas cards posted unsealed for easy inspection.]

LORD BOWLES

My Lords, it is estimated that Christmas card traffic in 1968 was 18 per cent. lower than in 1967. if the 4d. rate were retained in 1969, the expectation is that revenue would be no lower than in 1968. If the rate were reduced to 3d. and, if as a result the traffic were restored to the 1967 level, postal revenue would be reduced by about £750,000 and handling costs would be increased.

LORD AIREDALE

My Lords, I am much obliged to the noble Lord for that Answer.