§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that the circulation of railway guides and diaries, usually very small and weighing less than 4 oz., and published monthly, is restricted by their liability to the book post rate, while registered newspapers several times heavier require only a ½d. stamp on each? whether he will treat such railway guides and diaries with special favour, as conveying useful information to the public, and admit them to the privileges of registered newspapers; and whether, in connection with this matter, he will reconsider the whole question of the postal rates on unregistered periodicals.
THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. R. W. HANBUKY,) PrestonThe disparity between the newspaper and the book rates of postage was brought out clearly by a Question of the hon. Member put on the 9th. The Postmaster General has no power to admit railway guides and diaries to the privilege of registered newspapers; and, in view of the fact that the privilege which newspapers now enjoy compels the Department to carry in many cases periodicals weighing several pounds for a half-penny, he is not prepared to extend this privilege to unregistered publications.
§ MR. HENNIKER HEATONinquired if it was the intention of the Government to introduce legislation on the subject?
§ MR. HANBURYNo, I think not.