HC Deb 21 September 1915 vol 74 cc434-6

Motion made, and Question proposed,

31. That it is expedient to make such amendments in the enactments relating to the rates of postage and other sums to be charged in respect of postal packets as will enable the rate of postage—

  1. (i) for an inland postcard to be increased from ½d. to 1d., or, if it is a reply postcard, from 1d. to 2d.;
  2. (ii) for an inland book packet the weight of which does not exceed two ounces to be increased from ½d. to 1d.;
  3. (iii) for an inland registered newspaper to be increased from ½d. to 1d.

2. That it is expedient to make such amendments in the enactments relating to the charges for the transmission of telegrams as will enable—

  1. (i) the charges for the transmission of written telegrams throughout the United Kingdom to be fixed at a rate not exceeding 9d. for each telegram of 12 words, or for each telegram of less than 12 words, and ½d. for each additional word; and
  2. (ii) the charges for press telegrams to be fixed at rates not exceeding 2s. 6d. for every 100 words transmitted between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 a.m., and 2s. 6d. for every 75 words transmitted between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to a single address, with an additional charge of 8d. for every 100 words or for 436 every 75 words, as the case may be, of the same telegraphic communication transmitted to every additional address.—[The Chancellor of the Exchequer.]

The CHAIRMAN

I have some doubt as to the meaning of this Resolution. Not, however, having had time to look into the precedents, I must take it as it is presented to me—with that word of doubt. The proposed charge, I think I may say, has been usually regarded as a payment for services rendered.

Resolutions to be reported to-morrow; Committee to sit again to-morrow (Wednesday).

The remaining Orders of the Day were read, and postponed.

Whereupon Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER, pursuant to the Order of the House of the 3rd February, proposed the Question, "That this House do now adjourn."

Question put, and agreed to.

Adjourned accordingly at Two minutes before Nine o'clock.