asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs what value of stamp, in view of the introduction of decimal coinage in February 1971, he proposes to introduce in replacement of the 9d. stamp.
Ceisteanna — Questions Oral Answers. - Replacement of Stamp.
79.
The details of the conversion to decimal values of all Post Office charges are under consideration at present. A comprehensive statement covering the Department's various services will be issued as soon as possible.
With due regard to the Minister, he has not answered my question. I have referred specifically to the 9d. stamp.
I did not evade the Deputy's question. The details of conversion to decimal value are not yet finalised and until they are I am afraid I cannot answer his question.
I asked the Minister about this the last day and he said he would reply when the question came up. Is it not obvious to the Minister, as it must be to the meanest intelligence, that the nearest will be 9.6 pence?
Of course, that is obvious to me.
Now we know.
Now the Deputies know nothing except that I know what they are getting at.
Is this not a little more than the 6 per cent that was to be the maximum allowed according to the Government, on top of the 50 per cent that they are already collecting?
That is a different question.
Therefore, may we take it from the Minister that the new value in effect will be 9.6 pence, equivalent?
If the Deputy wants to take any interpretation he wishes out of my answer, he may do so but I am not saying that what he has said will be the position.
I am asking if the new value will in effect be 9.6 pence. We now know it will.