POST LETTER-CARDS. (Hansard, 29 March 1892)

§ (6.45.) MR. MORTON (Peterborough.)
There are one or two questions I desire to raise in reference to Post Office administration, and one of these has reference to Ocean Penny Postage, but I do not know that it is of any use arguing it in the absence of the Postmaster General. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will consent to adjourn the Debate until we can have the advantage of the presence of the Postmaster General? Of course, if he does not agree to that I must proceed now. The first matter I have to mention has reference to what are called post letter-cards. I have no desire to prevent getting into Committee, or to stand in the way of Business, but I know from experience that we cannot rely upon finding an opportunity later in the Session when the Post Office Vote is taken somewhere about the middle of 213 July. On a former occasion I objected to the price charged to the public for these letter-cards, namely ten for a shilling. I think they might be sold for a penny; and I find that in foreign countries they are sold at a much cheaper rate. Here is a sample of the cards sold in Austria at the rate of 20 for a shilling. Why cannot we sell the cards in this country at as cheap a rate? I am bound to say the policy of the Government in this country is to regard the Post Office business as a means for obtaining revenue rather than as an institution for the service of the public.

§ (6.49) MR. A. J. BALFOUR
rose in his place, and claimed to move, "That the Main Question be now put."

§ MR. SPEAKER
I must leave the responsibility with the hon. Member. I understood him to say he had no desire to prevent a decision being taken on the Motion?

§ MR. MORTON
I desire to finish my remarks.