60. Mr. HAMILTON BENNasked the Postmaster-General why the United States and Canadian mails are closed in London on Friday evenings, when the Cunard mail steamers do not leave Liverpool until 2.30 p.m. on the following day?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSELetters and postcards for dispatch to Canada and the United States by the Cunard Packets leaving Liverpool at 2.30 p.m. on Saturdays may now be posted at the General Post Office in King Edward Street up to 2 a.m. on Saturday morning without a late fee, and up to 3 a.m. with a late fee of 1d. Printed papers for dispatch by the same packets may be posted up to midnight on Friday at the General Post Office without late fee, up to 2 a.m. on Saturday with a late fee of ½d., and up to 3 a.m. with a late fee of 1d. There are special boxes at Euston Station where posting may be effected as late as 9.15 a.m. on Saturday morning with a late fee of 2d.
Mr. H. BENNCan the right hon. Gentleman explain why all the offices tell me that they cannot post after 8 or 9 p.m. respectively, except in the General Post Office?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSERepresentations were made to me that it might be possible to extend the time of posting on Friday night. The figures which I have now given are the result of examination of the subject.