§ Sir H. NORMANasked the Postmaster-General whether there are any statistics available without undue research in his Department to indicate approximately what have been the losses due to the growing custom of posting abroad printed matter for circulation in this country?
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§ Mr. KELLAWAYIt is estimated that the loss of revenue is slightly under £1,000 a month.
§ Mr. JAMES WILSONasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the increasing flow of trade in the advertisement and postcard industry that is being diverted to the Continent, due to the existing heavy postal charges; and whether, in view of the present depression and consequent unemployment in this branch of industry, he will consider the advisability of making an immediate substantial reduction in the charges for the transmission of postcards and circular matter in this country?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe postings abroad to which the hon. Member refers are relatively small, and the loss of revenue does not exceed about £1,000 per month out of a total revenue from printed matter of about £400,000 per month. The general question of the reduction of postal charges is under the consideration of the Government, and I am not at present in a position to make any statement.