§ MR. ATKINSON (Boston)asked the Postmaster General what amount he gained to the Revenue per annum for overcharging Members of Parliament whose letters are re addressed from the House of Commons Post Office outside the whole of the London districts; and, what arrears were at present owing for such re-addresses, and by whom?
§ *A LORD OF THE TREASURY (Sir HERBERT MAXWELL,) WigtonshireAs the Postmaster General stated in reply to my hon. Friend on the 5th inst., re-directed letters for Members of Parliament are treated exactly in the same way as re-directed letters for other persons, and I cannot admit the propriety of the term "overcharge" which my hon. Friend uses in reference to this matter. The revenue derived from the re-direction of Members' letters from the House of Commons to places outside the Metropolitan District is estimated at about six shilling sa week. No arrears can accrue, because the redirection charge is collected on delivery. If the payment of the charge is in any case refused the delivery is not effected, and the letter is returned to the sender.
MR. MAC NEILL (Donegal, S.)Is the hon. Baronet aware that many people indulge in the habit of sending circulars to Members of Parliament which are re-directed and sent on, thereby putting Members to a considerable and an unnecessary expense?
§ *SIR H. MAXWELLThe hon. Member had better put that question to my right hon. Friend the Postmaster General.