HC Deb 06 May 1908 vol 188 cc244-5
MR. WATT

I beg to ask the Postmaster General what classes of individuals in the country get the advantage for telegrams of the Press rates of a fraction over 2d. for 100 words; and whether he will extend this privilege to free libraries, working-men's clubs, and village institutes?

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

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension as to the rates for the transmission of Press telegrams. Under the Act of 1868 the charges are fixed at 1s. for every 100 words, or fraction of 100 words, between six p.m. and 9 a.m.; and 1s. for every 75 words, or fraction of 75 words, between nine a.m. and six p.m. The rate of 2d. for every 100 or 75 words (as the case may be) to which the hon. Member refers, applies only when the same Press telegram is sent to more than one address and consequently shared by several newspapers, institutions, or clubs, the rate being charged for each additional address beyond the first. Institutions similar to those to which the hon. Member refers are already allowed, after satisfying certain conditions, to receive telegrams at these reduced rates.

*MR. BYLES (Salford, N.)

Does not the entire newspaper-reading world derive enormous advantage from these low rates?

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

I am afraid that is a matter of opinion. There is a great loss on the Press messages.

*MR. BYLES

But can the loss be assessed, seeing that the wires would otherwise be idle at night?

MR. WATT

Will the right hon. Gentleman introduce legislation to raise the price?

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

No, sir.