§ Mr. CHARLES ROBERTSasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that parcel post rates from this country to the United States are higher than those from Germany; and whether he is able to take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI am aware that the postage on parcels sent from the United Kingdom to the United States of America is at present somewhat higher than the postage charged on parcels sent from Germany to the United States of America, and I have been in negotiation with the United States Post Office for some time past, with the view of effecting a reduction of the rates from this country. I am glad to announce that the negotiations have been successful, and that, as a result, the rates on parcels sent from the United Kingdom by the official service will be reduced on 1st December. The present rates are: Up to 3 lbs., 1s. 6d.; up to 7 lbs., 2s. 6d.; up to 9 lbs., 3s. 6d.; and up to 11 lbs., 4s. 6d. The future rates will be: Up to 3 lbs., 1s. 3d.; up to 7 lbs., 2s. 3d.; and up to 11 lbs., 3s. 3d.
§ Mr. EUGENE WASONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether that compares favourably with the charges for German parcels?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELYes, that compares favourably with the German parcels.