§ 29. Colonel YATEasked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the general complaints on the part of the wives and mothers of soldiers throughout the country that in sending small comforts to their husbands and sons at the front the postage in most cases is more that the value of the goods, he can now reconsider the question of reducing the postage on small parcels so that the poorer classes may be able to supply such small comforts to their relations at the front through this channel?
Mr. PIKE PEASEAs has been stated in answer to previous questions, a reduction of postage charges on parcels for the Army is not practicable on account of the large increase in the number and weight of the parcels which might be expected to follow, and the excessive burden that would be thrown upon the military authorities to provide the additional transport required. As it is, the number of parcels sent daily to the Expeditionary Force in France has increased from 12,000 in November and 18,000 in February, when previous answers on the subject were given in the House, to between 60,000 and 70,000 at the present time, and has on more than one occasion risen to above 80,000. In addition, about half a million letters and newspapers are sent daily, and the total weight of mail matter is nearly 120 tons a day. My right hon. Friend greatly regrets that in these circumstances he cannot adopt the suggestions in the question.
§ Colonel YATEInstead of charging 1s. for 3 lbs., would it not be possible to charge, say, 4d. for 1 lb. and 8d. for 2 lbs., in order to give the poorer classes a chance of sending small parcels?
Mr. PIKE PEASEThere would be no difficulty so far as the Post Office is concerned in decreasing the rate, but it is the question of transport in France.