§ Mr. Tom Kingasked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the percentage increase between the cost of posting a 2 kg parcel in February 1975 and the cost of posting a similar parcel under the proposed new rates; and what is the weighted average percentage increase of the proposed new rates over those applicable in February 1975.
§ Mr. Gregor Mackenzie117 per cent, and 147 per cent., respectively.
§ Mr. Tom Kingasked the Secretary of State for Industry what are the latest national figures available on the volume of inland parcels posted and those for the comparable period in the previous year.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieStatistics on the volume of inland parcels posted are published annually in the Post Office Report and Accounts. In the financial year 1st April 1974 to 31st March 1975, the number of inland parcels—excluding Irish—handled was 187–6 million. The comparable figure for 1973–74 was 181–9 million.