§ 73. Mr. HOGGEasked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that many letters are only slightly over 1 oz. in weight, he can see his way to concede a new rate of postage of l½d. for l½ ozs?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI regret I am unable to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion. The loss of revenue would be considerable.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs my right hon. Friend aware that the 1-oz. letter has, in the average of cases, a margin slightly over that weight, owing to the absence of facilities to weigh them, and that this is a cause of inconvenience to the senders?
§ Mr. SAMUELOver 90 per cent. of the letters posted are under 1 oz.
74. Mr. T. WILSONasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to complaints made regarding the burden imposed upon friendly societies in consequence of the increased postal rates; and, if so, whether he pro poses to do anything to assist them?
§ Mr. SAMUELI have not received representations from any friendly society with regard to the new postage rates since their introduction. I cannot see my way to devise a new rate of postage for packets sent to and from friendly societies.
§ Mr. BOOTHIs not my right hon. Friend aware that the approved societies under the Insurance Act have made strong representations to the Treasury, who promised to convey them to him?
§ Mr. SAMUELI think that was before the concession was made allowing printed papers to go at the same rates as before.
§ Mr. BOOTHIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that it is a very heavy burden, and that it means the reduction of benefit, and is not therefore an economy?
§ Mr. SAMUELNo such representation has reached me.
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe must get on with the questions. There is a great number on the Paper.