§ Mr. Hugh D. Brownasked the Postmaster-General what proportion of total annual engineering costs was accounted for by labour costs in 1967–68 and 1968–69; and what he estimates the proportion will be in 1969–70 and 1970–71.
§ Mr. StonehouseIn the years 1967–68 and 1968–69 the proportion was 33 per cent. and 34 per cent. respectively: the estimated proportion in 1969–70 is 32 per cent. Estimates are not available in sufficient detail to provide figures beyond122W 1969–70. The increase in the proportion for 1968–69 over that for 1967–68 is due to changes in the accounting for certain engineering salaried staff, as mentioned in paragraph 30 of the White Paper "Post Office Prospects 1969–70" (Cmnd. 3959.)