asked the Minister for Labour if he will state the cost of officially provided Christmas greeting cards sent by him in 1968; if the postage was provided free by his Department and, if so, the cost; if he can give an estimate of cards on order for this year; and if the cards will be sent post free.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Christmas Greeting Cards.
44.
In 1968 the cost of cards was £124, the estimated cost of postage was £20 and this was included in the charge for postal services for my Department. Cards on order for this year are estimated to cost £115. The cost of postage will be included in the charge for postal services for my Department.
Can the Minister say if £124 worth of cards go to his constituency or to those with whom he is in official correspondence during the year?
That was last year, and I could not say.
I think the Minister should be able to say.
Could the Minister tell us the cost per card?
I could not say. There is a large number of cards involved.
If the Minister's Department paid £124 for cards surely he must know how many cards were purchased?
There was a different Minister last year.
The Minister has estimated £115 for cards this year. How many cards are involved?
The number of cards was not asked.
It would be about 800 cards.
If the Minister spends £115 on 800 cards they must be worth about three shillings each.
I know an unemployed person who is in receipt of three shillings a week unemployment assistance and yet the Minister pays three shillings for a card.
(Interruptions.)