§ MR. COCHRANE- BAILLIE (St. Pancras, N.)I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether, to meet the public convenience, he will consider it advisable so to alter the Post Office Regulations as to permit of cards for correspondence being sent through the post at the cost of a halfpenny stamp, such cards in all matters of weight, size, and instructions to conform to the regulations of the ordinary postcard system.
§ * MR. RAIKESThe subject of the hon. Member's question is one which has at various times been considered. The hon. Member himself sees that it would be necessary as a condition of allowing plain cards for letter purposes to pass through the post with a halfpenny stamp that such cards should in size, weight, &c., conform to the regulations laid down for the ordinary postcard. There would, however, be the greatest difficulty in 880 ensuring a compliance with this condition as well as constant friction between the Department and the public. It should, at the same time, be remembered that any extension of the halfpenny post can only increase the loss already attending that branch of the Postal Service. I am sorry I cannot hold out any expectation that it will be possible to adopt the suggestion of the hon. Member.