andMr. Power asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if the latest increase in postage charges were matched by a similar increase in revenue for the month of December, 1974; and the comparative income for the month of December in 1973 and 1974.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Postage Charges.
17.
Postal revenue for December, 1973, was £2,130,000 and the corresponding figure for December, 1974, was £2,700,000. If the December, 1973, level of traffic had been maintained in December 1974 the estimated revenue would have been £2,950,000.
There was a drop in volume.
There was a drop in volume but not a drop in value.
Is this trend continuing? Does the Minister think that the cost of the stamp is possibly a little bit too high?
It is a legitimate question. I do not think there are any grounds at all for speaking of a trend. The volume of Christmas traffic was a bit down in the immediate Christmas period, but revenue was up. Revenue generally is healthy.
If the Minister finds the trend continuing will he give consideration to lowering the price of the stamp to stimulate people into posting more letters because, if the fall continues, the employment content could be affected adversely?
That is a separate question.
I think it is a fair question.
If what the Deputy suggests were to happen I would certainly consider steps to improve the situation. It would give me great pleasure if I could lower the price of the stamp and keep up the volume.