§ MR. HENNIKER HEATONI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, 431 (1) whether he is aware that the circulation of small patterns or samples of light materials, such as paper, linen, and other stuffs, is much hampered, to the detriment of postal revenue, by the fact that the minimum postage for patterns and samples is 1d. for four ounces; and (2) whether he can see his way to assimilate the pattern rate with the book post rate by prescribing a minimum pattern rate of ½d. for two ounces?
§ MR. HANBURYAs regards the first part of the hon. Member's Question, I have to state that few complaints are received of trade being hampered by the want of a lower rate than 1d. per four ounces for patterns and samples sent by post. The question was fully considered at the time of the restoration of the sample post, and has been reconsidered on various occasions since, but it has always been held that a lower minimum rate than 1d. would not be remunerative. The Postmaster General regrets therefore that he cannot see his way to assent to a ½d. rate for patterns and samples.