HC Deb 16 November 1976 vol 919 cc488-9W
Mr. Sproat

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimate he has made of the saving in his Department's funds of sending all communications from his Department by second-class mail, and none by first-class mail; and what percentage at present was sent by first-class mail during the latest three-month period for which figures are available.

Mr. Deakins

No such estimate has been made, because the majority of items sent by first-class post are benefit payments due, or inquiries relating to benefit payments due, for which second-class post would be unacceptable. Detailed records are not available, but the proportion of mail sent by first-class post is assessed at 80 per cent.