§ MR. CAVEsaid, he wished to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether it is intended to abandon the principle of an uniform rate of Postage to British Possessions Abroad, by doubling the charge upon letters to the British West India Colonies, while reducing that upon letters conveyed by the same line of packets to Foreign countries, even at a greater distance; and, if so, for what reason?
MR. PEELsaid, in reply, that the principle of uniformity of postage had already been abandoned in the case of the postage of letters to Hong Kong and Singapore, which had been raised two years ago from 6d. to 1s. The present step had been taken because it was found that the smaller sum was insufficient to pay the expenses incurred, and because it was believed that the increase would not materially interfere with the correspondence between those countries. At the same time, letters sent by private ship were charged at the reduced rate of 3d. and 4d.; so that there 1930 were two modes—one for those to whom time, and the other for those to whom economy was an object. Letters for Mexico and Cuba, which were formerly charged 1s. 6d. and 2s. 6d, were now reduced to 1s., because the former rates were undoubtedly too high, and because it was an advantage to assimilate them with the rates to our own colonies.
§ SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTEsaid, he wished to ask whether it was proposed that instead of granting a subsidy to the West India Mails, the Steam Packet Company were to receive any proportion of the postage on the letters as compensation for conveying them? He wished further to know whether the contract with that Company had come to an end?
MR. PEELsaid, the contract would continue until next year, and a subsidy would still be paid for the conveyance of the mails. Tenders had been advertised for, and they were now under consideration.
§ MR. CAVEsaid, he wished to know whether the Governments of Cuba or Mexico were to pay any portion of the subsidy for the conveyance of their mails.