MR. FELL PEASE (York, N. R., Cleveland)I beg to ask the Postmaster General if Friendly Societies' circulars to their members, reminding them of arrears of subscriptions, which must necessarily vary as to the amounts therein stated as due, are properly considered as being of "the nature of a letter," and consequently liable to 1d. postage; and, if so, will he propose an alteration in the regulations, which will enable such circulars to go for one ½d. through the post?
§ *MR. RAIKESThis question has been repeatedly asked' and answered during the present Parliament. AH circulars are letters, but they are letters which, being sent in identical terms to a number of persons at the same time, are permitted to pass at the book rate of postage. Alterations in the existing regulations have been suggested which would meet the case of the Friendly Societies' notices, and I am at the present time in correspondence with the Treasury upon the subject.
§ MR. HOWELL (Bethnal Green, N. E.)Will the alteration apply to Trade Societies as well as to Friendly Societies?
§ *MR. RAIKESI do not think I ought to anticipate any particulars of a statement I may have to make. But I hope I may be able to do so in a few days.