§ MR. AGNEW (Salford, W.)To ask the Postmaster-General why Great Britain, with its large West Indian trade, and its unequalled shipping facilities, should be compelled to send sample post parcels consigned to Cuba by parcels post, via Germany; and why samples, consigned by parcel post to Venezuela, Peru, and Ecuador, must go via France, or Germany, or Holland.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) In consequence of the difficulties which have been experienced in negotiating agreements with the countries named, without which parcel posts cannot be established, as there would be no arrangements for the delivery of parcels sent from this country, it has been necessary to forward parcels to them by such other means as were available. But arrangements have lately been concluded for a direct parcel post between this country and Peru, and it is proposed to institute the new service on the 1st of next month. Negotiations are in progress for the establishment of similar services with Ecuador and Cuba, and it is hoped to arrange for a direct service to Venezuela.