§ Mr. Cockcroftasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will state the estimated number of letters handled by postal business during the first half of its financial year 1975–76; and how this compares with the same period of the previous year.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldThe Post Office informs me that the number of letters handled in the periods in question were:
- 1st April to 4th October 1975 4,871 million
- 1st April to 5th October 1974 5,261 million
§ Mr. Cockcroftasked the Secretary of State for Industry what information he obtains from the Post Office, and at what intervals, before approving its capital investment programmes.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldEach year the Post Office provides my right hon. Friend with proposals for investment and financing for five years ahead. These are set in the context of a medium term plan covering all main aspects of the businesses. A broad strategic framework is also provided by longer term business plans looking 10 years ahead.