Vol. 257 No. 11
asked the Minister for Defence the cost of Christmas cards and greetings sent by him in 1970; if postage was provided free by his Department and, if so, the cost; and the estimated cost of cards on order this year and if the cards will be sent free of charge.
28.
andMr. L'Estrange asked the Minister for Defence the projected cost to the Exchequer during the financial year 1971-72 of the sending of Christmas cards by him.
29.
andMr. L'Estrange asked the Minister for Defence the total number of hours during which civil servants were engaged in sending Christmas cards from him in 1970 and the projected corresponding number for 1971.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 28 and 29 together.
The cost of Christmas cards provided officially for me as Minister for Defence in 1970 was £198. Postage was provided free and the cost was approximately £47. This year the cost of Christmas cards on order is estimated at £90 and postage, which will be provided free, is estimated to cost £48. The sending of the cards in 1970 occupied about 35 hours of the time of a junior officer and it is estimated that the figure for 1971 will be the same.
I could not hear the Minister very well but did he say that the cost of sending Christmas cards last year amounted to £198?
Yes.
Is the Minister sending a Christmas card this year to his colleague, the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs?
I will send one to Deputy L'Estrange.
At least the Minister has economised this year.
Can the Minister say whether Christmas cards are sent to our forces in Cyprus?
They are sent to the commanders of the forces there and, also, we send them a message.
(Cavan): Since we are so flaithiulach we might as well send individual cards.
