§ MR. H. HEATONI beg to ask the Postmaster General whether he is aware that the postage from the British Settlement of Hong Kong to the United States of America is 5d. per half-ounce, and from the United States to Hong Kong 2½d. per half-ounce; and whether he will consider the feasibility of lowering the postal charge from Hong Kong to the United States to 2½d. per half-ounce?
§ MR. RAIKESThe explanation is that for which I have so often had to claim the indulgence of the House for the gratification of the hon. Member The United States is one of the countries of the Postal Union which do not choose to avail themselves of the option reserved by the Convention to charge a surtax over and above the fundamental rate of 2½d. on letters carried long distances by sea. The Colony of Hong Kong is within its Treaty rights in pursuing the contrary course and charging a surtax; and I should not, I conceive, be warranted in interfering in the matter.