§ MR. KEIR HARDIE (Merthyr Tydvil)I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he has considered the 931 advisability of appointing a small Committee to report upon the practicability of enabling Members of Parliament to frank letters posted within the precincts of the House, and what safeguards may be necessary to prevent the system being abused.
§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Sir H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN, (Stirling Burghs)No, Sir, I am not favourable to this proposal. Remembering past experience, I do not think that to revive the privilege of franking letters is either a convenient or an unobjectionable mode of easing the burden on Members, and the actual relief would be small.
§ MR. KEIR HARDIEMy Question asks for the appointment of a small Committee to consider the practicability of the proposal. Will the right hon. Gentleman not agree to that?
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI do not think the House itself has expressed any desire in this matter, and I have already stated my view. I do not consider the appointment of a Committee necessary.