§ SIR CHARLES CAMERON (Glasgow, Bridgeton)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Post 458 master General, at what date the rule of the Post Office prohibiting the registration as registered telegraphic addresses of words other than dictionary words was adopted, and for what reason, having for years allowed the registration of easily remembered arbitrary words constructed from the first and last syllable of a firm's name, or spelling the initials of the designation of a club, and still allowing it in the case of addresses registered prior to the new regulation, the Department now refuses to continue a practice so convenient to the public?
§ MR. HANBURYThe rule of the Post Office prohibiting the registration of words other than dictionary words as registered addresses was first made of general application in July 1893. It had, however, been acted upon at the larger offices for some years previously. The use of arbitrary words was found to give rise to mistakes and confusion, and was, therefore, contrary to the interests of the public. It was for this reason that their use was prohibited.
§ MR. J. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)May I ask the right hon. Gentleman which is the authorised dictionary for this?
§ MR. HANBURYAny ordinary dictionary, I should say.