§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)I beg to ask the Postmaster General, whether the minimum charge for a parcel posted to Australia is 1s. 6d. for any weight not exceeding 2 lb., as against a minimum charge of 10d. for 1 lb. to Canada, and 9d. for 1 lb. to Cape Colony; and, whether the minimum 1079 weight transmitted to the British Possessions generally is 1lb., at an average rate of 8d. or 9d.; whether, under the new agreement with the French Government, a parcel weighing 11 lb. can be sent from this country to France by post for 2s. 2d., and whether a parcel of the same weight sent to Australia would cost 8s. 3d.; and, whether, in view of the low rates charged for ocean freightage, he will take steps for a reduction in the minimum of both weight and postage in the case of parcels for Australia?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. A. MORLEY,) Nottingham, E.The hon. Member's information is substantially correct. Some months ago I approached the Australian Post Offices with a view to a revision of parcel postage in the direction indicated in the question; but they find the time inopportune for the sacrifice of revenue involved. The subject, however, will not be lost sight of.