§ MR. MOLLOY (King's Co., Birr)I beg to ask the Postmaster General if he is aware that the charge for letters from this country to Bechuanaland is 2½d., and from Bechuanaland to this country 4d., and, similarly, the charge for parcels outward is 6d. and homeward 1s. 3d.; and, if this be the case, will he take steps to equalise the outward and homeward journey in each case by reducing the homeward to the figures of the outward charge?
§ MR. A. MORLEYI am aware of the difference between the outward and the homeward letter rates; but the outward parcel rates is 1s. 3d., not 6d.; and it is believed that the homeward rate is the same. The Postal Service of South Africa is not under my control; and I may add that Bechuanaland is not included within the Postal Union. It would be contrary to the policy of Her Majesty's Government to put any pressure upon the Colonial Authorities to reduce homeward postage rates to the level of the outward rates.