§ MR. HENNIKER HEATONI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that increasing discontent is caused by the exaction of a fine of 2d., or four times the deficient postage, in the case of the delivery of an unstamped private postcard; whether, in the event of the delivery of an unstamped copy of The Queen, The Builder, or other heavy registered newspaper, or of an unstamped book-post packet weighing under two ounces, the fine levied is 1d., or twice the deficiency; and whether he will give the exact words of any Statute, or warrant having statutory authority, which justifies or requires the imposition of a fine of four times the deficient postage in the case of a private postcard, while in the case of an unstamped letter, newspaper, or book-post packet only twice the deficiency is charged?
§ Mr. HANBURYThe Postmaster General is not aware that increasing discontent is caused by the regulation referred to. Newspapers and book packets posted unpaid are charged double postage on delivery. The words of the Treasury warrant of 24th August, 1894, made under the Post Office Act, 1875, bearing on the point raised by the hon. Member, are as follow:—
The expression 'Private Post Card" means a postcard bearing an adhesive stamp. The postage payable on every private post card must be prepaid. If any post card is sent by post otherwise than in conformity with this warrant it shall be forwarded to its destination charged on delivery with postage as an insufficiently paid letter of the same weight.