§ Mr. SOMERVILLEasked the Postmaster-General whether he has received information as to the results of the penny post established between Canada and New Zealand and the rest of the Empire; and whether he will consider the possibility of a similar step on the part of this country?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONEmpire penny postage was reintroduced in New Zealand on 1st October, 1923. There was a fall in postal revenue of about 17 per cent. in 1923–24, but owing to numerous changes in tariff it is impossible to say how much is attributable to penny postage taken by itself. The New Zealand postal revenue did not regain the 1922-23 figures until the year 1926-27; how far the increase was due to normal growth of traffic, to the reduction in the rate, or to other causes, cannot be stated. I am informed by the Canadian Post Office that it is too early for any estimate to be given. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the 5th instant.
Sir A. HOPKINSONasked the Postmaster-General what loss or gain it is estimated would accrue to the revenue of the Post Office if a uniform rate of 1d. were charged on all letters, whether open or closed, up to one ounce in weight, and an additional ½d. per ounce on all over that weight?
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§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONAny estimate must be speculative, but the cost might be about £2,000,000.
§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Postmaster-General what would be the financial effect upon the Post Office if the halfpenny post was abolished and a penny made the minimum charge, limited to one ounce; and whether he will consider if such a change from the present charges would be practicable?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONAny estimate must be of the nature of a conjecture, but the loss might be about 52,000,000. As regards the second part of the question, I have no evidence that such a change would be generally acceptable.