asked the Postmaster-General the number of parcels posted cash-on-delivery during the first six months' working of the cash-on-delivery system; whether this figure is in excess of the estimated number for the period and, if so, by how many; and can he state the approximate contribution of this service towards the revenue for the period?

During the first six months approximately 450,000 inland cash-on-delivery parcels were posted. The approximate gross revenue was £11,250.

Can the Noble Lord say whether the figures are in excess of the estimated number for the period?

The Postmaster-General never asked for a very close estimate of the number of cash-on-delivery parcels that would be likely to be purchased, because it would be obviously impossible to obtain that with a new service. The closest estimate that I have heard was something under a million and it appears that that has been close to the mark.

May I ask the Noble Lord whether the expenditure already incurred in connection with this system is not about 10 times as much as the revenue?

Can he Noble Lord say whether the amount of business done is up to expectation?

Yes, Sir. In reply to the hon. Member for Paddington (Sir W. Perring) I can assure him that there is no loss whatever to the Post Office. The system is making a slight profit to the Government.

The Noble Lord has not answered the question. I asked him whether the expense incurred in connection with the system was not about 10 times more than the net revenue?

No, Sir. The net revenue more than covers the expense.