asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the amount of revenue accrued from the sale of postage stamps in the past year and how this figure compares with the previous year.

The information required by the Deputy is about £30.6 million in 1979 as against £40.5 million in 1978. A provisional figure only is available for 1979 at this stage.

Can the Minister indicate what the estimated net loss will be?

The reduction in receipts for 1979 is due to the prolonged postal strike which gave rise to an estimated loss of £13 million in postal revenue. Against that loss there were savings in expenditure, in terms of salaries, wages and so on, of postal personnel, of approximately £10 million.

Is there any improvement in the service in 1980 in respect of revenue?

Yes.

To what extent?

I would not have the total extent of the improvement but indications are that the revenue has increased. However, if the Deputy wishes to table a separate question in this regard I shall let him have the information but this will be based on the 1979 figures.

11.