HC Deb 23 April 1968 vol 763 cc33-4W
Mr. MacArthur

asked the Postmaster-General what added costs will have to be met in Scotland following the introduction of the higher telephone and postal charges.

Mr. Mason

In a full year, about£3.5 million from increased telecommunications charges and£2 million from increased postal charges.

Mr. Younger

asked the Postmaster-General what will be the percentage increase in the rate for an inland letter sent by first-class mail when the new charges come into force, compared with the equivalent rate in October, 1964.

Mr. Mason

This will depend upon the weight of the letter. For example, for a letter weighing less than 1 oz. the percentage increase will be 66⅔per cent.; for one between 1 and 2 oz. 11 per cent.; and for one between 2 and 4 oz. there will be a decrease of 16 per cent.

Mr. Younger

asked the Postmaster-General what extra speed of delivery compared to the present situation will result from the new 5d. letter service.

Mr. Mason

The aim under the new letter service will be to give first-class mail a service as good as the best we give now, with improved reliability where necessary.

Mr. Younger

asked the Postmaster General, whether he is satisfied that productivity in the Post Office has increased by over 50 per cent. since 1964 in line with extra charges placed on the public; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mason

Manpower productivity has been rising by about 8 per cent. a year in the telecommunications service and 1 per cent. a year in the postal service. Improvements are expected in the future. Increased charges for both services are necessary for the reasons I gave to the House on 10th April.

Mr. Younger

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, what estimate he has made of the extra cost of the new postal charges to industry in Scotland.

Mr. Mason

I have been asked to reply. The cost to our business customers in Scotland will probably be about£1,350,000 in a full year.

Mr. MacArthur

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will make a statement about the effect of the higher telephone and postal charges on persons living in rural areas of Scotland.

Mr. Mason

I have been asked to reply. I have no separate estimate of the additional revenue I expect to obtain from people living in rural areas of Scotland. The effect on individuals will, of course, depend on the use they make of Post Office services.