Telegrams

HC Deb 14 May 1969 vol 783 cc239-40W

Mr. Kenneth Baker

asked the Postmaster-General how many offices or centres there are from which telegrams are distributed.

Mr. Stonehouse

65.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

asked the Postmaster-General what is the maximum distance in radius from a postal centre that is expected to be covered by a telegram delivery man.

Mr. Stonehouse

There is no specified maximum. This depends on a variety of local factors, such as the terrain, the means of transport, and the type, number, and time of arrival of the messages for delivery.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

asked the Postmaster-General what percentage of telegrams are greetings telegrams.

Mr. Stonehouse

33 per cent. in 1968.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

asked the Postmaster-General how many sub-post offices and rural offices are involved in delivery telegrams and on what financial basis.

Mr. Stonehouse

5,064 scale payment sub-offices deliver telegrams. Payment for delivery is on a mileage basis. No separate figures are available for rural offices.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

asked the Postmaster-General to what extent the present statistics for telegram demand over the next few years are dependent upon maintaining present prices for telegrams; and what proposals he has for a further increase in the price of telegrams.

Mr. Stonehouse

Current forecasts are based on a continued decline in demand even at the present uneconomic level of tariffs. Any proposals for a price increase must await the conclusions of the current review of the inland telegram service.