HC Deb 30 September 1915 vol 74 cc1148-9

Resolution reported,

31. "(1) 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 every 75 words, as the case may be, of the same telegraphic communication transmitted to every additional address."

Resolution read a second time.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution."

Mr. McKENNA

I beg to move, "That further consideration of the said Resolution be now adjourned."

Sir C. HENRY

Before the adjournment of the Resolution, can the right hon. Gentleman give some indication as to whether the rates are going to be observed? There are several trades which would be hampered by those increased rates.

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a reason for moving the adjournment of the Resolution.

Mr. RAWLINSON

Is it intended to insert those proposals in the Finance Bill? If they are not to be included, a public announcement to that effect would save many constituents a great deal of trouble.

Mr. McKENNA

No, Sir; it is proposed to introduce these changes in the postal rates, or other changes, into a separate Bill. It will not come into the Finance Bill at all.

Resolution to be further considered upon Tuesday, 12th October.