§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)asked the Postmaster General, Whether he is aware that British merchants in Shanghai can send their letters through the French Post Office there for conveyance to Europe by the English steamers of the Peninsular and Oriental Company at the rate of 2.½d. per half ounce, while the same letters, if sent through the British Post Office at Shanghai, also for Europe, would be charged 5d; and, whether he is disposed to take steps to remedy this apparent anomaly?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES) (Cambridge University)Yes; I am aware of the circumstance to which the hon. Member has called attention. The explanation is that the French Post Office does not avail itself of the option given by the Postal Union Convention of collecting additional postage to meet the expenses of conveyance to distant places, while the British Post Office does avail itself of that option. In the case referred to, the French Office does not incur a loss in feuding the letters by British packets for 2½d.; but even at the 5d. rate a considerable loss is incurred by the British Office, because it has to pay heavily, not only for the sea service, but also for a special train service across Italy and France. Obviously, any reduction of the British postage would involve additional loss; and I am not prepared at present to recommend the Treasury to incur that loss.