§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Post- 1028 master General, whether he is aware that large numbers of poor persons, such as cultivators of gardens and allotments, having fruit, dairy produce, or other articles to dispose of, are debarred from using the pattern or sample post because they do not come within the definition of traders; and, whether he will consider the expediency of so amending the regulations on the subject, that the benefit of the pattern or sample post may be extended to such persons?
MR. HANBUBYThe Postmaster General is not aware that the persons referred to by the hon. Member are prevented on the ground of not being traders from using the pattern or sample post. As a matter of fact the sample post is open to persons engaged in any kind of business, whether agricultural or commercial, but being a sample post it is, of course, intended solely for bonâ fide patterns and samples, and cannot by the nature of the case be used for the execution of orders, which is the apparent object of the Question. The limit of weight is 8 ozs., which does not admit of much agricultural produce being sent. The Postmaster General is not prepared to modify the regulations on the subject of the sample post.