§ MR. NORMAN (Wolverhampton, S.)To ask the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been directed to the inequalities in the postage rates of periodical literature in the United Kingdom; and whether he proposes to grant the cheaper postal transport of magazines so often requested in the public interest.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton). I have carefully considered the matter to which the hon. Member refers. The preferential rate of postage enjoyed by newspapers was specifically granted to them under The Post Office Act, 1870, and is restricted by the Act to publications which, inter alia, are issued at intervals of not more than seven days, and consist wholly, or in great part, of current news or of articles relating thereto. In view of the loss of revenue which would be involved, I am sorry that I am not in a position to introduce a reduced rate of postage for periodical publications.
§ MR. NORMANTo ask the Postmaster-General whether he has yet been able to consider the imperial and commercial advantages that would result from cheaper postage rates for periodicals and magazines to British Colonies; and, if so, 1261 what action does he propose to take in the matter.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton). The matter is receiving my careful consideration; but I fear that I cannot hold out any hope of a general reduction of the rate of postage applicable to periodicals and magazines sent from this country to British Colonies.