HC Deb 26 June 1957 vol 572 cc30-1W
48. Mr. Hurd

asked the Postmaster-General what effect the last rise in telegraph charges has had on this section of the Post Office revenue.

Mr. Ness Edwards

asked the Postmaster-General the effect of the last increase in telegram charges in terms of the number of telegrams, revenue, and cost.

Mr. Marples

The last increase in charges took place on 1st August, 1954. Comparing the previous year (1953–54) with the following year (1955–56), the number of inland telegrams fell from 33.1 million to 19.6 million; income rose from £3.7 million to £4.1 million; expenditure fell from £8.1 million to £6.4 million; and the deficit fell from £4.4 million to £2.3 million. It is estimated that, but for the tariff change, the deficit would have risen to over £5 million.