§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Postmaster-General what has been the percentage increase in the cost of producing the combined Northern Ireland telephone and classified directory between 1962 and 1966; and what has been the percentage increase in advertising space, advertising charges and advertising revenue for each section during that period.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterSince 1962 the cost of producing the Northern Ireland combined alphabetical and classified directory has increased by 25 per cent. to £25,000. During the same period the number of copies distributed has increased by 96 per cent. to nearly 170,000 and the number of pages has risen by 14.4 per cent. to 540. Advertising charges remained unchanged until last year when rates for advertisements in the alpha-326W betical and classified sections were increased on average by 51 per cent. and 98 per cent. respectively. The charges for a standard ⅔ inch by 3 inch column advertisement in the alphabetical section and for a 1 inch single column listing in the classified section are now £19.
My right hon. Friend cannot yet give any information about the effect of the new charges on the revenue from advertisements, but the value of the advertisements sold in the alphabetical and classified sections of the last edition before May, 1965, was £4,900 and £11,275 respectively. Even at the new rates, charges compare very favourably with alternative media.