HC Deb 02 August 1906 vol 162 c1364
MR. MORTON (Sutherland)

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he has had a substantial offer with a bank guarantee to cover the loss for three years, if any, of establishing penny postage between Great Britain and the United States of America; if so, will he say whether he has accepted that offer; and, if not, will he explain why.

THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. SYDNEY BUXTON, Tower Hamlets, Poplar)

The correspondence in regard to this matter has already appeared in the Press.

MR. MORTON

But why did you re fuse to accept this guarantee?

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

Perhaps I had better read the letters sent with regard to it. (The right hon. Gentleman then read the letters referred to.)

MR. MORTON

But you take similar guarantees with regard to telegraph work.

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

Yes, but that guarantee is given by individuals or localities which require special facilities that would involve a loss to the Exchequer. This is an entirely different question—one affecting two nations.

MR. LUPTON

Still, it would be a great convenience to the public.