§ MR. REESI bog to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the postal and telegraph rates in Ceylon compare very unfavourably with those in force in the United Kingdom and India, though in the latter case the mileage is so much greater, the rates for parcels being nearly double the Indian rates; and whether he will make inquiries into this matter with a view to the provision of more favourable rates in Ceylon.
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe rates in question do not appear to be unduly high and the Secretary of State is not aware that they have been the subject of complaint. The matter is primarily one for the Ceylon Government to decide, and the Secretary of State has not received any representations which would justify him in addressing the Governor on the subject.
§ MR. CHURCHILLsaid that no doubt the Question of the hon. Member would draw special attention to the matter, but he could not say if it would lead to any change in the rates.