HC Deb 27 April 1915 vol 71 c561
50. Mr. PETO

asked the Postmaster-General whether the postage on a parcel to German South-West Africa is now 8s. 3d. for 11 lbs. owing to the parcel having to be conveyed via Cape Town, whereas before the War the charge was 3s. 3d.; and whether he will take steps to see that this charge is reduced so that, it may be made possible to send comforts to the British troops now serving there at a reasonable cost?

The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Captain Norton)

The Parcel Post service to German South-West Africa, For which previous to the War the rate of 3s. 3d. was charged for an 11 lb. parcel was maintained by the German Post Office and has now been suspended. The higher rate represents the postage of 9d. per lb. in force between this country and the Union of South Africa. I may say that in spite of frequent representations to the Union Post Office, it has not been found possible hitherto to obtain a reduction of the rate.

Mr. PETO

Will the hon. Gentleman assure me he will continue those representations, so as to avoid unnecessary hardship on men who are serving in that part of the world?

Captain NORTON

Yes; my right hon. Friend has still the matter under his consideration, and is in communication on it.