§ MR. WADDYasked the Postmaster General, Whether he has come to any decision with regard to allowing rural letter carriers to continue to carry, as they did before the introduction of the Parcels Post, small parcels of medicine; and, if he will consider whether any arrangements can be made to allow parcels to be collected in the rural districts from persons who reside at a distance from a Post Office?
§ MR. FAWCETTSir, so many applications have reached me from different parts of the country in favour of rural letter carriers being allowed to carry, as they did before the introduction of the Parcel Post, light packets of medicine, that I am glad to state that I have been able to decide to grant permission for the continuance of the practice, and instructions to this effect will be given immediately. I should regret extremely if this permission should be in any way abused by sending as packets of medicine articles which are not medicine, because it would then be necessary to withdraw the permission. With regard to the second Question of my hon. and learned Friend, I am aware that the non-collection by rural letter carriers on their round of parcels for the post has caused inconvenience to many persons in the rural districts who happen to live at a considerable distance from any post office. The chief reason for the prohibition is the fear that the 1755 collection of parcels might cause the letter carriers to be overburdened, and might also lead to a delay in the delivery of letters. Within the last few days I have, with the assistance of some of the most experienced practical officers of the Department, been carefully considering the point; and I shall be very glad if it is found possible to meet the inconvenience complained of without incurring the risk of the letter carriers being overburdened, or the mails being delayed.