§ LORD FRASER OF LONSDALEMy 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 they will recommend to the Post Office that a reduced rate of postage should be allowed on Christmas cards, destined for the United Kingdom and overseas, bearing in mind the importance of this trade to the economy of this country through the production of cards and in terms of exports, and the goodwill associated with the sending of Christmas greetings.]
§ LORD DENHAMNo, my Lords, but I understand that the Post Office is studying a similar suggestion from the Post Office Users' National Council in connection with the inland post. However, the operational and financial problems to be overcome will rule out any possible concession this year. I understand that International Postal Regulations govern the overseas mail and that they make no provision for such a concession.
§ LORD FRASER OF LONSDALEMy Lords, while regretting that Answer, bearing in mind that in February rates generally are to go up very considerably, and possibly even aggravated by decimalisation, will the noble Lord undertake to ask the Post Office to consider keeping this rate as low as possible at Christmas, 1971? Otherwise it looks as if Christmas cards will be knocked for six.
§ LORD DENHAMMy Lords, I understand that any discussions that take place as regards the Post Office Users' Council's suggestion will refer to December, 1971.
§ BARONESS STOCKSMy Lords, would Her Majesty's Government agree that the 340 massive proliferation of Christmas cards during the past few years has added to the manpower difficulties of the Post Office and to the amount of paper that subsequently has to be disposed of by someone?
§ LORD DENHAMMy Lords, that is no doubt one of the considerations the Post Office will bear in mind.
§ LORD GARNSWORTHYMy Lords, will Her Majesty's Government draw the attention of the appropriate authority to the very serious effect on the finances of quite a number of charities in this country unless some concession is granted? Further, is it not a fact that of late years, when increases in postal rates have been imposed, there has been a very substantial reduction in the number of Christmas cards sent, with a consequent reduction of income so far as the Post Office is concerned?
§ LORD DENHAMMy Lords, I think that questions of this kind come within the scope of the day-to-day running of the Post Office and therefore I do not think it would be proper for Her Majesty's Government to draw the attention of the Post Office to them. But no doubt the noble Lord's supplementary question will draw its attention to this matter.
§ LORD DENHAMMy Lords, I think the Post Office are aware that this is the season of good will. It is also the busiest time of the year so far as the Post Office is concerned.