§ MR. HENNIKER HEATONI beg-to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that in some post offices an excess charge is levied on an inland letter bearing a penny stamp, and exactly balancing the scale at one ounce; whether the inspectors of weights and measures have the right to, and do, in fact, periodically test the weights and scales used in the post offices; and, if not, whether any precaution is taken to prevent the public being overcharged in consequence of the inevitable wear and tear of the weights; and whether, in case of doubt as to a letter exactly 1158 balancing, instructions will be issued to postmasters to give the public the benefit of the doubt?
§ * MR. HANBURYThe hon. Member is mistaken in supposing that inland letters bearing a penny stamp and exactly balancing the scale at one ounce are charged as being overweight. Inspectors of weights and measures have no authority to test the weights and scales used in post offices, but postmasters are instructed, whenever there is reason to think their weights or scales inaccurate, to bring the matter under notice with a view to their being tested, and if necessary readjusted. No fresh instructions to postmasters on the subject of weight are, it is thought, needed. It is generally understood that unless the scale is turned a packet is not to be regarded as overweight.