HC Deb 22 February 1937 vol 320 cc1667-8W
Mr. Morgan

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will state the respective number of motor vehicles in the service of the Post Office for the carriage of mails and parcels as in 1920 and 1936, respectively; and what was the approximate quantity and cost of petrol used in respect of them in each case?

Major Tryon

The earliest period for which detailed records of Departmental vehicles used for the carriage of mails and parcels are available is the financial year 1921–2. Information for this year and for 1935–6 is as follows:—

  • Vehicles in service 31st March, 1922–170.
  • Vehicles in service 31st March, 1936–5,911.
  • Petrol consumption year ended 31st March, 1922–74,400 gallons.
  • Petrol consumption year ended 31st March, 1936–4,167,800 gallons.

Fluctuations in the price of petrol render a money comparison misleading.