§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he has received complaints of the difficulty farmers and others encounter in sending parcels of merchandise 1 1b. in weight for the minimum price of 3d. because of the additional weight of the wrappers of paper, etc.; and whether if he cannot, see his way to reduce the cost of carriage of parcels to a minimum of 1d. per 1b., he will permit 1 1b. to go through the post for 2d. or 2 1b. for 3d.; if not, will he permit 1½ 1bs. to go for 3d. be as to allow for packing?
§ MR. HANBURYApplications have been received from various quarters that 1033 the parcel post rates should cover slightly more than the even pound or pounds in order to allow for the weight of wrappers. The changes in the scale of rates which have been announced will to some extent meet the wishes of the hon. Member by reducing the charge on a parcel between 1 1b. and 2 1b. from 4½d. to 4d., but it is not possible to make any further concession. The weight of the packing would, of course, vary greatly according to the nature of the articles sent, and it would be impracticable to fix a margin which would be fair to all alike.