§ MR. HENNIKER HEATONI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether a privately printed or officially printed postcard sent to a Foreign country, with the Royal Arms impressed above the word "postcard," renders the recipient of the card liable to a fine; whether he is aware that the fine is invariably imposed; and, whether he will at the earliest opportunity take steps to have this rule altered?
§ MR. HANBURYThe ordinary official Foreign postcard bears no Royal Arms and therefore no question arises. An ordinary official inland ½d. card sent abroad with an additional ½d. stamp is not liable to a fine. A private postcard sent abroad with a 1d. stamp and bearing the Royal Arms is liable to a fine. The Postmaster General is not aware whether the Foreign post offices invariably endeavour to collect the fine. They should do so. It is not intended to alter the rule so as to allow persons manufacturing private postcards to place the Royal Arms on them.
§ MR. HENNIKER HEATONI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that a number of private postcards have been surcharged, on the ground that a minute asterisk had been inserted between the words "Post Card" on the address side, with a view to connect them; and, whether he will give directions that the presence of this asterisk shall no longer subject the recipient of a postcard to a fine.
§ MR. HANBURYThe Postmaster General has no knowledge of private cards having been charged on account of a minute asterisk inserted with a view to connect the words "Post" and "Card," but if the hon. Member will be good enough to furnish him with a specimen inquiry will be made.