§ SIR THOMAS DEWARI beg to ask the Postmaster General whether any correspondence has recently taken place with the representatives of countries comprised in the Postal Union for the purpose of securing a reduction in the rate of postage from the United Kingdom to the Continent; and, if not, having regard to the effect of the rate of 2 ½d. the half-ounce, more especially on merchants and others having business relations with the 233 Continent, will the British delegates to the next Congress of the Postal Union be instructed to endeavour to obtain the assent of the Union to its reduction.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. HAYES FISHER, Fulham)—(for Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN)No such correspondence has taken place; and I do not propose, as at present advised, to instruct the British delegates to raise the question at the next Congress, though I should of course be prepared to give careful consideration to any proposals made by foreign Administrations upon the subject.