§ 99. Mr. JACOBSENasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that sub-postmasters who are also stationers are obliged to sell envelopes on behalf of the Government at prices much below their current market value, thereby seriously prejudicing their own legitimate business; if this is brought about largely through the Government being able to command supplies which are denied to the paper trade of this country through the Regulations restricting the import of paper-making materials; if he is aware that this state of things is taken advantage of by purchasers of large quantities for the purpose of resale at a profit; if there is any reason why the Post Office should not obtain this profit for the benefit of the taxpayers of this country, or at least restrict the sale of Government-owned envelopes to a limited quantity to and for the convenience of the public?
The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Pike Pease)The question whether the prices of stamped stationery sold by the Post Office should be readjusted in view of the restricted supply of paper has been engaging the attention of my right hon. Friend for some time past, and he hopes soon to arrive at a decision. But he does not understand how resale at a profit is possible. It means that some one is willing to pay to a private seller of Post Office stationery a price greater than that for which he can procure it at any post office.