§ MR. HENNIKER HEATONI beg to ask the Postmaster General whether he is aware that large numbers of plain (or private) postcards, bearing adhesive penny stamps, are only delivered Abroad on payment of a fine of 3d. (or 30 cents.) in every case, solely on account of the absence of the printed or stamped words "post cards" on the cards delivered: and, whether the required words may be written by the sender, so that large quantities of private postcards may not be disqualified for use in foreign correspondence. Also, whether the fine on delivery of an unstamped inland postcard is 2d., or four times the deficient postage, and of an unstamped registered newspaper (or book packet weighing 2 oz.) 1d., or twice the deficiency: and, whether there is any reason for levying a larger fine against postcards than against other postal matter.
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. A. MORLEY, Nottingham, E.)A post-card which does not comply with the conditions of its use, the chief of which is that it should be stamped, is treated throughout the Postal Union as a letter, and is charged with the fine which is chargeable in the case of an unpaid letter. It appears to me desirable to deal with the unpaid inland cards in the same way as unpaid foreign cards are dealt with. With respect to the fine levied Abroad on private cards sent out 182 of the country on which the words "post card" have not been printed, I beg to add that I have been in communication on this subject with the Authorities of the Postal Union, but the answers I have received to the questions which I have directed to be submitted to them do not enable me at the present moment to make the concession to which the hon. Member refers—namely, that the words "post-card" may be written on the card. The subject is one which, I think, well deserves consideration at the next Postal Congress.