HC Deb 30 October 1970 vol 805 cc227-8W
Mr. Gorst

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications (1) what discussions he has had with the Post Office with regard to further increases in telephone charges or rentals; and what requests he has received from the Post Office to increase its target return on capital;

(2) if he will take steps to set up an inquiry into the administration and financial management of the Post Office; whether he is satisfied that the revenues received by the Post Office during the current financial year will be adequate for the Corporation to discharge its responsibilities to the public without any further increases in telephone or postal charges during the financial year from April, 1971; and if he will make statement;

(3) whether he will recommend the setting up of a Royal Commission to inquire into the financial management of the nation's communications services.

Mr. Chataway

I foresee no need in the coming year for major changes in telephone and postage charges beyond those recently announced, and I do not favour an inquiry at the present time.