§ Mr. Crowderasked the Postmaster-General what is the difference in the cost to the Post Office of the greeting telegram service, compared with the ordinary telegram service.
§ Mr. Edward ShortGreetings telegrams are not costed as a separate service. Extra costs over ordinary telegrams are incurred in delivering almost exclusively by hand, in providing special stationery, and in carrying out additional operating procedures.
§ Mr. Crowderasked the Postmaster-General if he will reduce the price of telegrams which are transmitted over the telephone.
§ Mr. Edward ShortNo. A telegram message is delivered by the quickest means available, and it is a condition of service that this may be by telephone. Furthermore, a price reduction would not be practicable in a service that is losing £2 million to £3 million annually. Even a telegram delivered by telephone is unprofitable.