HC Deb 12 August 1901 vol 99 cc431-2
MR. HENNIKER HEATON

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he can explain why in telegrams Westgate-on-Sea is charged as one word, but Birchington-on-Sea as three words.

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

The name of the second place mentioned by the hon. Member is "Birchington," and if the words "on-Sea" are added in any case they are charged for because they are superfluous.

MR. HENNIKER HEATON

May I ask why Camden Town is charged as one word and Woodford Green as two?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

I informed my hon. friend of the reason for that about a week ago.

In answer to a question put by Mr. JAMES LOWTHER (Kent, Thanet)—

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

Westgate-on-Sea is the proper address, and is, therefore, charged as one word. In the case of Birchington the words "on-Sea" are not necessary, and if anyone puts them in a telegram he must pay for them.

MR. HENNIKER HEATON

Cannot you lay down a rule that the names of all places in the United Kingdom shall be charged as one word, and so save all these petty annoyances?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

I am not prepared to alter the rule, of which I think my hon. friend knows the purport.