Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 72 Part 1.djvu/175

 72 ST AT. 3

PUBLIC LAW 85-426-MAY 27, 1958

expenses incurred by reason of special rate considerations granted or facilities provided to other users of the mails, or to underwrite those expenses incurred by the postal establishment for services of a nonpostal nature; and (6) the public interest and the increasing complexity of the social and economic fabric of the Nation require an immediate, clear, and affirmative declaration of congressional policy with respect to the activities of the postal establishment including those of a public service nature as the basis for the creation and maintenance of a sound and equitable postal-rate structure which will assure efficient service, produce adequate postal revenues, and stand the test of time. DECLARATION OF POLICY

SEC. 103. (a) The Congress hereby emphasizes, reaffirms, and restates its function under the Constitution of the United States of forming postal policy. (b) I t is hereby declared to be the policy of the Congress, as set forth in this title— (1) that the post office is a public service; (2) to provide a more stable basis for the postal-rate structure through the establishment of general principles, standards, and related requirements with respect to the determination and allocation of postal revenues and expenses; and (3) in accordance with these general principles, standards, and related requirements, to provide a means by which the postalrate structure may be fixed and adjusted by action of the Congress, from time to time, as the public interest may require, in the light of periodic reviews of the postal-rate structure, periodic studies and surveys of expenses and revenues, and periodic reports, required to be made by the Postmaster General as provided by section 105 of this title. (c) The general principles, standards, and related requirements referred to in subsection (b) of this section are as follows: (1) I n the determination and adjustment of the postal-rate structure, due consideration should be given to— (A) the preservation of the inherent advantages of the postal service in the promotion of social, cultural, intellectual, and commercial intercourse among the people of the United States; (B) the development and maintenance of a postal service adapted to the present needs, and adaptable to the future needs, of the people of the United States; (C) the promotion of adequate, economical, and efficient postal service at reasonable and equitable rates and fees; (D) the effect of postal services and the impact of postal. rates and fees on users of the mails; (E) the requirements of the postal establishment with respect to the manner and form of preparation and presentation of mailings by the users of the various classes of mail service; (F) the value of mail; (G) the value of time of delivery of mail; and (H) the (][uality and character of the service rendered in terms of priority, secrecy, security, speed of transmission, use of facilities and manpower, and other pertinent service factors.

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