§ MR. STOREY (Sunderland)I beg to ask the Postmaster General on what ground he justifies a charge of 2½d for the re-address of a pamphlet to a street within a few hundred yards of the original address, and on which pamphlet 2½d. had already been paid?
§ MR. A. MORLEYThe late Government, after very full consideration, decided to allow the free re-direction of letters, but to maintain the charge on all other postal packets. I regret I cannot see my way to recommend a departure from this decision. My hon. Friend will, I am sure, agree that it would be impossible to make any distinction in favour of short distances over long ones.
§ MR. STOREYMy point is this. Why, when once 2½d. has been paid on the packet, should the Government exact 313 another 2½d.? Why not be content with a smaller amount?
§ MR. A. MORLEYBecause the same process has to be gone through again.
§ MR. STOREYIs it not a fact that the Post Office of this country is not conducted on the principle of exacting a charge for each individual act performed, so as to make a profit? Why in some places is the business carried on at a loss, simply for the general convenience? Why should the right hon. Gentleman charge a double fee in these cases?