§ LIEUTENANT-COLONEL LEE (Hampshire, Fareham)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether 697 he is aware that letters can now be sent to all parts of Canada, via New York, at the rate of 1d. per half-ounce, whereas letters addressed to New York or other parts of the United States are charged at the rate of 2½d. per half-ounce; and whether, in the interests of-closer relations between England and the United States and for the convenience of the general public, negotiations might be entered into with the Government of the United States for the mutual establishment of a rate of 1d. per half-ounce for all letters passing between the two countries.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe Postmaster General is aware that the rates of postage are as stated by the hon. Member. The question of establishing a lower rate than 2½d. per half-ounce for letters exchanged between this country and the United States has already formed the subject of proposals on the part of Her Majesty's Government. The Government of the United States, however, was not prepared to entertain the suggestion.