HC Deb 05 September 1887 vol 320 cc1132-3
MR. WOODALL (Hanley)

asked the Postmaster General, Whether his attention has been called to the numerous complaints in regard to restrictions upon the use of the circular post, and especially as to the severe interpretations of the term "communications in the nature of a letter;" and, whether he will endeavour to relax these restrictions, and to allow any open communications in the general nature of circulars, or which, being business orders or invoices, are clearly distinguishable from letters, to pass unchallenged by the halfpenny post?

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES) (Cambridge University)

As I replied to a Question of the hon. Member for East Norfolk (Sir Edward Birk-beck) on the 25th ultimo, on a some what similar subject, so I beg to answer the hon. Member's Question— namely, that the subject has been for some time under my consideration, and that there is, without doubt, some anomaly in the present practice; and it is one I hope I shall see my way, with further consideration, to remove.

DR. CLARK (Caithness)

asked, if the right hon. Gentleman would consider the cases of those who were com- polled to issue circulars by Act of Parliament, such as Friendly Societies, Insurance Companies, & c, who sent out thousands annually, all in the same terms, but were charged the penny rate?

MR. RAIKES

That is the subject to which I referred.