§ MR. BAXTERasked the Postmaster General, If he would explain why letters to India are still in Class B and charged 5d. while those to thirty-seven other countries, including Canada, the United States, and even Persia, are in Class A and charged 2½d.; and, if there is any good reason why the postage to India should not at once be reduced to the lower figure?
§ MR. FAWCETTSir, in reply to my right hon. Friend, I have to state that the weekly service by which letters between this country and India are conveyed through France and Italy is very costly, and involves, I regret to say, a serious loss both to England and India. In consequence of this loss, we exercise the right, which is given to us under the Postal Union Treaty, to make a surcharge of 2½d. over and above the fundamental Union rate of 2½d. The same rate of 5d. is charged on letters to Persia when forwarded by the quick sea route of the Persian Gulf.