§ MR. SOAMESI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether the
† The privilege of franking letters (established about 1660) was not abolished without some opposition. Reference should be made to the Budget debates in 1839, reported fully in the Mirror of Parliament, and very imperfectly in Hansard. There is an interesting debate on the same subject in 1805 (see Debates [First Series], Vol. iii., page 569).441 negotiations which were in progress a year ago, for premises for a new post office in place of the office at the Lang-ham Hotel, have been brought to a conclusion; and, if so, whether the public may hope to have reasonable accommodation in that neighbourhood at an early date.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINArrangements are in progress for obtaining premises in Regent Street for a new branch post office to take the place of the office at the Langham Hotel; but it is not possible to state at present when the new office will be opened.