asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is his latest estimate of the profit or loss of the Post Office for the current year.
pursuant to the reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 1st May 1975; Vol. 891, c. 222], gave the following information:I have been in close touch with the Chairman of the Post Office on this and he informs me that on present indications the total likely deficit is estimated as being of the order of £300 million. I understand from the Chairman that he is about to put new tariff proposals to the Price Commission and to the Post Office Users' National Council.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will issue a general direction to the Post Office Corporation requiring it to cease spending money on consumer surveys for the time being.
I will reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.