HC Deb 18 May 1911 vol 25 cc2127-8
Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will endeavour to obtain for the information of the House, in view of the intention of the Post Office to provide post-cards to the public at face value, the number of post-cards passing through the post offices of France, Germany, and the United States, and, if possible, classified, of private origin, provided by Government, and pictorial postcards for the years from 1890 to 1910?

Captain NORTON

The answer to the first question is that I do not feel justified in asking the Postal Administrations of France, Germany, and the United States to undertake the task of providing the return for which the lion. Member asks.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the Postmaster-General whether he took any means to consult members of the retail stationery trade regarding the effect of his proposals to supply the public with letter- cards and post-cards at the face value of the stamp upon their trade before declaring his intention?

Captain NORTON

The answer is in the negative.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the Postmaster-General if he is successful in carrying out his proposals to give the public letter-cards and post-cards at the face value of the stamp, whether it is his intention to recommend to the House that the stationer postmasters be compensated for loss of business, as the Treasury did in the case of rural postmen on the introduction of the parcel post?

Captain NORTON

The answer is in the negative. The compensation given to rural postmen on the introduction of the parcel post cannot be regarded as an analagous case.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state what increase of staff he considers necessary to cope with the work of storing, checking, and the distributing of the free post-cards and letter-cards in the post offices, and the cost of same?

Captain NORTON

I do not anticipate that any increase in staff at post offices will be necessary.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

I mean in reference to the work of checking and distributing. I do not mean merely in the post offices.

Captain NORTON

I will ask my right hon. Friend to inquire into that.