asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the cost of an internal telegram in (1) mid-May, 1951, (2) mid-May, 1954 and (3) mid-February, 1957, and at 31st March, 1960.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Internal Telegram.
39.
As the reply is in the form of a tabular statement, I propose, with your permission, A Cheann Comhairle, to circulate it with the Official Report.
INTERNAL TELEGRAM CHARGES.
|
Date |
Minimum charge |
Charge per extra word |
Surcharge on Sundays, Good Friday, etc. |
Porterage charges per mile (or part thereof) outside free delivery area |
|
(1)mid-May, 1951 |
1s. 0d.(9 words) |
1d. |
6d. |
3d. |
|
(2)mid-May, 1954 |
1s. 0d.(9 words) |
1d. |
6d. |
3d. |
|
(3)mid-February, 1957 |
2s. 6d.(12 words) |
2d. |
1s. 0d. |
6d. |
|
(4)31st March, 1960 |
3s. 0d.(12 words) |
3d. |
1s. 0d. |
6d. |
NOTE.—The above charges relate to ordinary (i.e. non-press) internal telegrams. The following rates applied to press telegrams on the dates in question:
(1) and(2)1s. 0d. per 60 words or part thereof (day rate).
1s. 0d. per 80 words or part thereof (night rate).
(3)2s. 6d. per 60 words or part thereof (day and night).
(4)3s. 0d. per 60 words or part thereof (day and night).
Are there not only three figures involved.
There are four figures in it.
Could we not have the four figures?
There is a complication of figures in it. There is a note in it as well.
Would the Minister mind giving me the figures for 1954 and 1957?
Mid-February, 1957, is that what the Deputy wants? The charge is 2/6 for twelve words with 2d. for every extra word and a surcharge of a 1/- on Sundays, Good Fridays, etc. In addition, there are porterage charges.
What is the present figure?
The present figure for the 31st March, 1960, is 3/- for twelve words and 3d. per extra word and a 1/- surcharge on Sundays and Good Fridays. In addition, there are porterage charges. When the Deputy reads the statement he can study it. Let him have a good look at it. He can have a "go" at it on the Estimate.
Will the Minister explain on the Estimate how it was that he abandoned the promise implied by Fianna Fáil in their election literature in relation to telegrams? I can give him a present of the literature if he has not a copy of it.
That is a separate question. The Deputy's Party abandoned many promises in their time.