MR. ALDERMAN W. LAWRENCEasked the Postmaster General, Whether it is not possible, with advantage to the 1312 Revenue, to grant greater facilities to the public for Telegraphic Communication, by permitting Telegrams of ten words and under to be transmitted at a charge of sixpence?
§ MR. MONSELLsaid, in reply, that the hon. Member was mistaken in supposing that the Post Office was prevented by financial considerations from considering a proposition such as was referred to in the Question. He believed that the financial result of 6d. telegrams would be more satisfactory than that of 1s. telegrams; but the present increase in the number of telegraphic communications was very great in this country, and they were receiving between £2,000 and £3,000 a-week more than, in the corresponding weeks of last year. There was more money received for Irish telegrams at 1s. than when the price was 4s.; but it would be impossible for them to undertake a larger amount of business than they now did without increasing the number of wires in the principal commercial towns, and having a large increase of room in London. This increase of room they would have by the end of next year, when the new Post Office would be completed, and at that time he would be prepared to take into consideration the suggestion that had been made.