§ MR. COCHRANE-BAILLIE (St. Pancras, N.)asked the Postmaster General, Whether the benefits recently granted to the public by the introduction of a reduced charge for the transmission of telegrams could be further extended to the poorer classes in country districts, by a proportionate reduction of the rates for the porterage of telegrams?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES) (Cambridge University)In reply to my hon. Friend, I have to say that the charge for porterage of telegrams beyond the free delivery is 6d. a-mile under three miles, and I scarcely think it would be possible to offer less to any person engaged to deliver a message. The porterage is paid to the messenger, and does not belong to the Department. The rate for a mounted messenger is, as a rule, 1s. a-mile from the office door; but in some cases owners of horses are willing to take rather less, and the public get the benefit. I do not think the charge excessive for the service rendered.