§ MR. HENNIKER HEATONasked the Postmaster General whether he is aware that the cost of posting a letter from France, Germany, or Russia to British India is only 2½d., while the charge from the United Kingdom is 5d.; whether he is aware that many British merchants and newspaper proprietors in London post a large quantity of letters in France for India and China, thereby saving nearly 50 per cent in the cost for postage; and whether India is in the Postal Union?
§ MR. RAIKESI am well aware, as is also the House, and, I think, the public generally, that the facts are as stated in the hon. Member's first Question, and I may remind the hon. Member that the circumstances under which this difference of charge arises have been already explained in this House, I think, more than once. As regards the second point, I am not aware that any practice prevails on the part of British merchants and newspaper proprietors of sending letters to 571 France to be there posted for India and China. On the contrary, from inquiries recently made, I have reason to believe that such is not the case. But I understand that newspapers are posted in the manner described, although, I am glad to say, not to the detriment of the British Revenue, as my Department rather gains than loses by the arrangement. India is in the Postal Union.
§ MR. HENNIKER HEATONArising out of the Question, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a firm in Cornhill which saves £300 a year by posting newspapers for India and China in France?
§ MR. RAIKESI have heard that statement, but do not know what is the authority for it.