asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if, in the light of a recent announcement by the Minister for Industry and Commerce that prices should generally be converted into exact decimal equivalents on the basis that one old penny equals five-twelfths of a new penny, he can now state what the decimal equivalent of the present 9d letter postage rate will be.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Letter Postage Rate.
255.
The position as outlined on 19th November in my reply to a similar question is unchanged.
I should not like the Minister to get into trouble with the Minister for Industry and Commerce, who has made it quite clear to the public, to shopkeepers and other interested parties, that he will not tolerate any unnecessary increase and that the exact equivalent must be used. The crux arises regarding the 9d letter postage and I think the position should be clarified. Will it be the exact equivalent of the present 9d postage stamp?
We still have not decided what the equivalent will be but, so far as I am concerned, the Post Office does not hope to gain any extra finances through the changeover to decimalisation.
No. 4, Supplementary Estimates, 1970-71.
I am asking another supplementary question.
The Deputy has asked two or three.
I asked one. We let many questions go through without supplementaries in the interest of the business of the House.
The Deputy was not here for most of them.
Was any account taken of the fact that decimalisation was coming in February when the amount of 9d was chosen? Knowing that Decimal Day was in February, 1971, was it not very short-sighted of the Department to decide on a 9d letter postage rate?
Is the Deputy suggesting I should have announced a 9½d stamp some months ago?
I do not think it will be 9½d. I would have thought it would be much cheaper, even 8d. There is a danger that it will be shoved up to 10d on Decimal Day. This is a source of concern to people who are already victimised with this present 9d postage rate. It is a heavy burden.
As I have already told the Deputy, the decision has not been made yet.
When does the Minister think it will be made?
Very shortly.