HC Deb 27 June 1834 vol 24 cc935-7

The House in Committee on Postage on Newspapers Act.

Mr. Vernon Smith

then moved, that a charge of 2d. be made on each British newspaper sent by packet to the colonies or foreign countries, and that there should also be a charge of 2d. on every foreign newspaper sent by post to this country. The hon. Gentleman stated, that the object of this Resolution was, to enable the Government to enter into arrangements with foreign countries with reference to the transmission of newspapers, so as to enable the Post-office to reduce the charges of postage for newspapers from those countries which admitted English newspapers on similar terms.

Lord Lowther

complained, that a greater charge was made at the Post-office at Charing-cross for sending a Newspaper abroad, than was made at the General Post-office in the city.

Mr. Vernon Smith

admitted, that such was the case. The main object of his Resolution was, to enable foreign countries to send newspapers to England almost free of expense, provided English newspapers were admitted to those countries on equal terms. He had another Resolution to propose, by which this ground of complaint would be got rid of; namely, by giving compensation to the clerks, so as to get rid of the fees now allowed to them by the conveyance of newspapers. He did not know how any arrangement could be entered into on other terms than those he had proposed.

The Resolution was agreed to.

Mr. Vernon Smith

then proposed a Resolution to the effect that it was the opinion of the Committee, that the Postmaster-General be empowered to send by post certain stamped papers free of expense; and also that he be allowed to make compensation to the clerks of the roads and others now entitled to fees. It was considered but just, that compensation should be given to the clerks for the privileges that were to be abolished.

Lord Lowther

regretted, that the hon. Gentleman was not prepared to go a little further towards breaking down the old system. He wished to know why there was such an enormous charge made for the postage of foreign letters? In consequence of this charge, letters from abroad were sent by private individuals, and every Ambassador's bag was filled with the private letters of those who had the least influence. In most foreign countries, the postage was not one half of the charge for letters from England as it was in this country for letters from the continent.

Mr. Vernon Smith

knew, that the rate of postage for foreign letters was high in this country, and agreed that it was a fit subject for the consideration of the Postmaster-General to see whether a remedy could not be applied.

The Resolution was agreed to, and the House resumed.