HC Deb 30 March 1908 vol 187 c93
MR. WATT (Glasgow, College)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury how much is the annual loss to the Post Office incurred by the system of cheap rates for newspaper telegrams; what is the advantage derived by the nation in return for this loss; and if he will introduce legislation to put newspapers on the same terms in this respect as the general public.

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

The present rates for Press telegrams are specifically provided for under the Telegraph Act of 1868. The estimated annual loss involved is about £220,000, in return for which the nation enjoys such advantages as are derived from the dissemination of news at a cheap rate. I am not proposing legislation of the character suggested by my hon. friend.