§ Mr. Tom Kingasked the Secretary of State for Industry what figures are available on postal traffic volumes following the latest price increase; and how these compare with the traffic levels for the comparable period last year.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieThe Post Office tells me that, based on its normal statistical sampling methods—which exclude metered mail—it estimates that total volume of traffic during the period 28th September to 25th October 1975 has declined by 13.0 per cent. compared with the same period in 1974.
§ Mr. Tom Kingasked the Secretary of State for Industry what are the proportions of first- and second-class mail after the latest price increase, before the latest price increase and for the comparable period last year.
398W
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieThe Post Office tells me that over the period from 28th September to 25th October 1975, 38.7 per cent. of letter traffic was sent first class and 61.3 per cent. second class. I am also informed that over the same period in 1974, 48.1 per cent. was sent first class and 519 per cent. second class.
Figures for the period immediately preceding the tariff increases are not available; the nearest period for which figures are available is the month of August 1975 when 40.9 per cent. of letter mail was sent first class and 59.1 per cent. second class. Over the same period in 1974, 48.8 per cent. of letter mail was sent first class and 51.2 per cent. second class.
These figures exclude throughout mail franked by users' own postage meter machines.