Postal rises 'a disaster’

Press, 19 July 1979, Page 3

Postal rises 'a disaster’

Discriminatory increases in postal rates were a disaster for the printing industry and those employed in it, said the postage spokesman for the Printing Industries Federation (Mr L. C. Fulford) yesterday. He was referring to the announcement on Monday by the Postmaster-General (Mr Couch) that charges for registered publications would be increased in two steps, eventually doubling the present rates.

This announcement came after submissions to Mr Couch objecting to what was to have been an 80 per cent increase in rates applicable from August 1. The rates will now increase 60 per cent from that date and on April 1 next year, increase again to twice the existing charges. “My reaction was one of disbelief,” said Mr Fulford.

“The whole case to the Postmaster-General was based on the disproportionate increases proposed for registered publications, 80 per cent, compared with an average of 40 per cent for most other classifications, and compared with th-> rate for ‘householder’ matter where no increase was inflicted two years ago and only 25 per cent this time, provided the items are

standard letter size,” he said. “It seems obvious that in areas where the Post Office faces competition increases are being restricted, but where the Post Office has a monopoly, publishers are now being asked to carry an increase of 60 per cent rising to 100 per cent from next April.” Many voluntary, charitable, and religious organisations had already been forced to stop producing their magazines and newsletters because of the increased costs. The increase announced this week would be the death knell of many more, Mr Fulford said. “The Minister does not appear to have taken into consideration the lot of work done by printers and publishers in sorting, bagging, and delivery in order to qualify for the registered publication rate. Registered publications also provide the Post Office with a regular flow of mail throughout the year.

“I feel like a convicted person who has appealed for justice and then had his penalty doubled. I certainly hope the Postmaster-General does not regard Monday’s announcement as the last word on the matter,” Mr Fulford said.