§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)asked the Postmaster General, Whether he is aware that at an ordinary stationer's shop a dozen stout post cards can be purchased for 7d., whilst, if obtained at a Post Office, the same articles cost as much as 8d.; whether he can explain this anomaly; and, whether, in the view of the Post Office Authorities, it is necessary, and, if so, in what interest, that such an anomaly should further be continued; and, if not, whether he will insist upon early mea- 432 sures being adopted to do away with the present overcharge at the Post Office?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES) (Cambridge University)A somewhat similar Question was asked by the hon. Member for North Herefordshire (Mr. Rankin) about a year ago. I then explained that the cards referred to were not those issued by the Post Office; but private postcards, stamped under certain conditions at Somerset House. Until the expiration of the present contract the Post Office is not in a position to reduce the price, of the official postcards. I have been for some time fully sensible of the anomaly to which the hon. Member refers; and my best attention has been given to the subject, in view of seizing the earliest opportunity for terminating it.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORWill the right hon. Gentleman state when the contract will run out?
§ MR. RAIKESIn 1889.