§ 93. Dr. D. Johnsonasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the rise in the overseas printed papers, bulk, post from 8½d. per lb. to 1s. 0½d. per lb. which he proposes to introduce will be a serious handicap to book publishers in their export markets; and whether he will reconsider his decision in this respect.
§ Mr. MawbyPrinted papers sent overseas at the reduced rate are currently being subsidised to the tune of £1.7 million a year by other users of our services, and my right hon. Friend does not think it fair for this measure of subsidy to continue. Even with the increases that we are introducing the subsidy will still be £700,000 a year.
§ 96. Mr. Wadeasked the Postmaster-General whether he will rescind the recent increase in the postage rates on parcels sent overseas, which have resulted in a rise of nearly 50 per cent. in the carriage cost of each small book sent overseas by printed paper parcel post, in view of the effect this will have on book exports.
§ Mr. MawbyThe overseas printed paper (reduced rate) service, which is most commonly used for the export of books, is at present losing £1.7 million a year, and my right hon. Friend does not think that users of other Post Office services should be expected to continue to subsidise it at so heavy a rate. Even with the increase we are introducing on 1st July, the subsidy will still be £700,000 a year.