HC Deb 14 July 1873 vol 217 c316
MR. CLARE READ

asked a Question which he said he must explain, because, having been framed by a legal friend, it appeared on the Paper in a form in which he himself did not undertand it. The explanation, in substance, is that no charge is made for a messenger walking any distance under a mile; but, if the mile be exceeded, the distance charged for is not the distance over the mile, but the distance from the office; so that no allowance is made for that portion of the distance which is within the radius of free delivery?

MR. MONSELL,

in reply, said, it had been the practice to charge from the office from which the telegram was sent out. He concurred with his hon. Friend in doubting the legality of the practice; he had directed a legal opinion to be taken upon it; and, if it proved to be illegal, he would have the practice altered.