§ COLONEL V. MILWARD (Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General (1) whether the attention of the Postmaster General has been directed to the greater advantages enjoyed in France and Germany in the Foreign parcel past rates; (2) whether the following rates are those now current for 11 pounds (five kilogrammes) parcels, viz., England to France, 2s. 2d.; Germany to France, 9½d.; England to Germany, 2s.; France to Germany, 9½d.; England to Austria, 2s. 4d.; France to Austria, Is. 2½d.; Germany to Austria, 6d.; England to Italy, 2s. 6d.; France to Italy, 1s.; Germany to Italy, 1s. 5½d.; (3) whether he is aware that a large and daily increasing portion of the commerce between these countries is carried on by parcel post; (4) whether even heavy goods are divided and sent in 11 pound parcels; and (5) whether he can promise to give to Englishmen the advantages enjoyed by foreigners?
§ MR. HANBURYThe figures given by the hon. Member are correct; but he has selected a weight which is most unfavourable to this country for purposes of comparison. Lower weights would show different results. In comparing the charges on parcels between this country and the Continent with the charges on parcels sent from one Continental country to another, the cost of the sea-conveyance must be taken into account, and also the fact that in this country the railway companies are entitled to a fixed sum (10d. on an 11 1b. parcel) for the land conveyance, while in Continental countries the payment for haulage is much less. The answer to the third and fourth Questions of the hon. Member is in the affirmative. The fifth Question must, I fear, for the reasons given above, be answered in the negative.