§ 35. Sir C. Osborneasked the Postmaster-General what is the estimated loss on postal services for 1965 excluding telephones; how much extra a 4d. letter rate would produce; whether he now proposes to increase the letter rate to 4d.; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BennThe latest forecast of the loss on the postal services in 1965–66 is £30 million. An increase in the inland letter rate from 3d. to 4d. would yield between £20 million and £25 million in a full year, depending on the adjustments made in the weight steps. For the rest, I would invite the hon. Member to await publication of the annual "Post Office Prospects" White Paper next week.