§ 88. Mr. MILLARasked the Postmaster-General how much it would cost, on the basis of present figures, to withdraw the Regulation under which only five words may be written on picture post-cards at the halfpenny rate; whether he has formed any estimate as to the increase in the number of such post-cards which would be sent through the post, and as to the increase in revenue which would accrue to the Post Office if this restriction were removed; and whether, in order to ascertain if the Post Office revenue would be thereby increased, he is prepared to withdraw the Regulation for the present year?
§ Major BARNSTONMy right hon. Friend regrets that no data are available on which to base the estimates for which the hon. Member asks; but he is not prepared to introduce a reduced rate which would compel the sender of a post-card to have a picture imprinted upon it in order to take advantage of the reduction.
§ Mr. MILLARWill the right hon. Gentleman not consider that the circulation of these cards would be enormously increased and the revenue benefit by the suggestion?
§ Major BARNSTONI will convey that to my right hon. Friend.