§ 51. Mr. Mayhewasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the importance of promoting the sale of British books abroad; by how much he has increased the overseas postal rates on books; and what were the reasons for this change.
§ Mr. MawbyYes. The postage on books sent overseas was last increased on 1st July, 1963, from l½d. for the first 2 oz. and 1d. for each additional 2 oz., to 2d. for the first 2 oz. and l½d. for each additional 2 oz. This increase was made in order to reduce the loss on the particular service concerned which even now is still incurring a deficit of £600,000 per annum.