§ 105. Mr. KILEYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Post Office Authorities are now levying a fee of 6d., in addition to ordinary charges, upon every post parcel which passes through their hands on which the Customs authorities collect duty, and that in many cases the duty only amounts to two or three pence; and whether he will seek powers to exempt from these delays and costs all packages on which the amount of duty to be collected does not exceed 1s.?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Pike Pease)I have been asked to answer this question. The amount of duty raised on a parcel affords no indication of the cost to the Post Office of clearing it through the Customs; and as the fee of 6d. does not cover the average cost of the services performed by the Post Office on behalf of the addressees in clearing dutiable parcels through the Customs and collecting the duty, I regret that I can find no justification for the concession for which the hon. Member asks.
§ Mr. KILEYDo I understand from that reply that if there is an amount of duty 411 to be collected the Post Office charge 6d. for their trouble?
§ Mr. PEASEI am not quite sure whether the hon. Gentleman desires the remission of the Customs duty or the Post Office fee. As mentioned in my reply, the amount received in fees does not cover the cost of the service.
§ Mr. KILEYBy what power do you make this charge over and above the ordinary postage? Are you entitled to do it?
§ Mr. PEASEYes, certainly; but I must ask for notice of the question in order that I may give an exact answer.