§ 62. Sir WILFRID SUGDENasked the Postmaster-General when he hopes to give details of the cash-on-delivery scheme in respect of parcels post; and whether he contemplates increasing the permissible weight of parcels to be carried?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI have considered this proposal especially in relation to agriculture, and I regret that while fully sympathising with the object in view I do not see my way to introduce a service at a cost which would render it of any appreciable value to the agricultural interests. It would be necessary to charge a minimum fee of 6d. or 7d. a parcel in addition to the postage, and this, combined with the difficulties inherent in any attempt to discriminate in the nature of the contents of parcels would, I am convinced, make the institution of such a service of no practical value to the agriculturalists.
I may mention that the chief value of a cash-on-delivery service has been found to be for small parcels the contents of which are of high value. Agricultural produce is relatively bulky and of low value. I shall watch the result of the recent reduction in the parcel post rate with a view to further reduction if the business warrants it. I have no evidence that there is any general demand for a cash-on-delivery system other than for agriculture, but, on the other hand, I have received many representations on behalf of the smaller shopkeepers in the contrary sense. There is no intention of increasing the permissible weight of parcels to be sent by parcel post.