§ MR. WEIRTo ask the Postmaster-General if he will state on what ground the rate demand notes sent out by the county collector for Ross and Cromarty, which have hitherto been charged one halfpenny postage, are now charged one penny; and will he consider the expediency of arranging for the halfpenny rate to be reverted to.
(Answered by Lord Stanley.) As I informed the hon. and gallant Member for St. Andrews Burghs on the 12th† of last month, the change of practice referred to was made in connection with the revision of the halfpenny post regulations in January, 1904. It was found that attempts were made to pass under the previous regulations many documents to which it was never intended that the preferential rate should apply, and the privilege of sending notices (other than those which conformed to the conditions applicable to circulars) at the halfpenny rate was accordingly restricted to officers of a Court of justice. I am sorry that I do not see my way to alter the decision then arrived at.
† See (4) Debates, cxliv., 1399.