HC Deb 04 July 1923 vol 166 cc440-1
70 Mr. THORNTON

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether his attention has been called to the fact that, though registered newspapers which when made up for the post weigh less than two ounces are transmissible at the printed paper rate for a postage of ½d., cases of surcharge are constantly occurring, as country postmasters are not acquainted with this Regulation; whether he will take steps to call the attention of postmasters to the Regulation;

(2) whether he will consider making the weight for registered newspapers larger than two ounces, as, in order to comply with the Regulation and send newspapers for ½d., very inferior paper has to be used?

Captain DOUGLAS KING (for Sir L. Worthington - Evans)

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The ordinary postage for a registered newspaper is 1d. for any weight up to 6 oz. Any newspaper under 2 oz. in weight can, however, be sent as a printed paper for lad. My right hon. Friend is not in a position to increase the limit of weight for the ½d. post; and he could not introduce a fresh special rate for registered newspapers. There is no reason to suppose that postmasters generally are not acquainted with the fact that the ½d. rate of postage can be applied to newspapers if they weigh less than 2 oz; but in view of the hon. Member's representations, my right hon. Friend will have special attention called to the matter in the Post Office Circular.

Mr. THORNTON

Does not the Postmaster-General agree that, in order to come within the rate, very inferior paper bas to be used?

Captain KING

I do not know, but I will call the attention of my right hon. Friend to that point.