88. Mr. DENNISSasked the Postmaster-General if he will take the opportunity of the new contract with the Peninsular and Oriental Steamship Company to effect a reduction in the rate of postage on newspapers and periodicals between Great Britain and India from 1d. per quarter pound, which is the rate at present, to 1d. per pound, which is now the rate for newspapers between this country and Canada and New Zealand?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI am not prepared to extend to India or to any other country the specially reduced rates of postage applicable to British newspapers, magazines and trade journals sent from the United Kingdom to Canada and Newfoundland. There is no special rate of postage on newspapers from this country for New Zealand.