§ MR. H. O. ARNOLD-FORSTER (Belfast, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether, in the event of the Postmaster General being satisfied that the great majority of those concerned in the publication of journals and periodicals not at present admitted to the halfpenny rate are in favour of the arrangement, he will agree to the passage of all periodical literature through the post at a charge of one halfpenny per packet not exceeding 8 ozs. in weight; and, whether, in the event of his giving the necessary consent, he will, at an early date, introduce legislation to give effect to the reform.
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. R. W. HANBURY,) PrestonThe Postmaster General's consent to the passage of all periodical literature through the post at a charge of one halfpenny per packet of not more than 8 ozs. could not be made to depend upon the favour shown to the arrangement by those who would profit thereby. There are many other considerations, especially the effect upon the revenue of admitting large numbers of additional periodicals to so low a rate of postage. The Postmaster General is, however, considering the whole subject.