It should have been clear to the Government years ago all was not well with Royal Mail.

The last increase, to 29p, for first-class service meant posting letters had become an expensive chore.

Now Consignia (Royal Mail's new name) declares it "may have to increase first-class postage to 40p".

This in spite of hundreds of thousands of renewals being sent out every month by the insurance companies and thousands of mail shots being sent out weekly by mail order companies.

Surely this threat of a 40p postage rate must at last result in an internal investigation by the Government?

If a large organisation cannot supply a viable service, it should be the end of the line.

I wonder if anyone else is bothered by paying exorbitant postage?

-Ian McLeod, West Hill Road, Brighton