(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the percentage increase in telecommunication and postal charges since February, 1973, taking account of the increases announced in the recent budget.

The answer is 137 per cent for telecommunication charges and 138 per cent for postal charges.

57.

(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the cost of posting a letter by first and second class mail, respectively, on 31st January in (a) 1973 and (b) 1976; and the charges when the budget increases are applied.

On the assumption that the question relates to the charges for letters of the 1st weight step in the inland service the answer is as follows: