§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether the charge for a telegram from England to Russia in Europe is 5½d. per word, and the charge for a telegram from St. Petersburg to any part of Russia in Asia is about 4d. per word, whilst according to the Post Office Guide the charge for a telegram from England to Russia in Asia is for the first region 1s. 8d. per word, and for the second region 2s. 7d. per word, whereas the sum of the two separate charges from England to Russia in Asia is but 9½d.; and whether he can account for the discrepancy between the British charge for a telegram to Russia in Asia, and the sum of the above-mentioned two separate charges?
§ *MR. RAIKESThe charge for telegrams from England to Russia are correctly stated by the hon. Member. From St. Petersburg to Russia in Asia the charge is, I believe, 4d. per word plus 6d. per telegram. The discrepancy is mainly due to the fact that for an international telegram under the extra-European régime, Russia, like other countries, requires a higher rate than for a telegram circulating exclusively within her own dominions. The terminal rate for the first region of Russia in Asia is 150 centimes, and the terminal rate for the second region is 262½ centimes.
§ *MR. HENNIKER HEATONWill the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that representations have been, or will be, made to Russia on this subject?
§ *MR. RAIKESThat is not a matter which comes within my province.