No Chance Of Return To Penny Postage Here

Northern Advocate, 28 September 1949, Page 2

No Chance Of Return To Penny Postage Here

WELLINGTON, Wed. (Sp.).—There is no chance of the Government allowing penny postage to return. The Postmaster-General (Mr Hackett), referring to the revenue received by the Government from the wartime tax of an extra Id on postage said: “We have no chance in the world of giving back to the people that £600,000, and they might as well know it now as later on.”

Mr Hackett was replying to Mr J. T. Watts (O—St Albans) and Mr A. J. Murdoch (O—Marsden). The latter had said that in the remaining two months the Government had at its disposal it might as well reintroduce penny postage and win a few votes. Mr G. H. Mackley (O—Wairarapa): Let, us get rid of the war tax. "JUST FOOLISH” Mr Hackett said an income of £600,000 a year was derived by the Post Office from this tax. If he recommended its removal he would be “just foolish.” The department's costs had increased to such an extent that the surplu for last year would be down to abou' £IOO,OOO. It was hoped to continue tc show an annual surplus between £IOO,OOO and £200,000. Mr E. B. Corbett (O—Egrnont) said ihe Post Office surplus had declined sharply last year and it looked as if the department would be "in the red” i next year. Mr Hackett: Who said that? Mr Corbett: You did. Mr Hackett: Bunkum. Mr Hackett added that the duties of the Post Office had increased enormously in recent years with the growth of social security payments and other business, and often overtime had to be paid to enable the staff to keep up with the work. PROMISE BROKEN Mr Watts said the Government had broken a promise in not removing the war impost on postage. The Minister now said it was necessary for revenue and he could not run the department without it. This was a good example of what happened under Socialism to a department which previously had an excellent record. “I can sympathise to some extent with the officers who are fearful of what will happen when the Gaming Bill imposes new tasks on the shoulders of the over-burdened Post and Telegraph Department," said Mr D. M Rae (O—Parnell). He was one of number of members on both sides of the House who paid tribute to the efficient work of the department.